Tomato Pesto Amato

Brighten up your pasta night with Tomato Pesto Amato, a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and nutty Parmesan cheese in a creamy, homemade pesto. This 30-minute recipe combines the rich textures of pine nuts and garlic with silky spaghetti or linguine, tossed to perfection in the luscious tomato-based sauce. The key to its irresistibly smooth finish? A splash of reserved pasta water to tie it all together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this dish is enhanced with a hint of optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and garnished with fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Simple, quick, and bursting with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors, Tomato Pesto Amato is a must-try for pasta lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 pieces garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cups of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.

Step 3

Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until coarsely blended. Gradually stream in the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. If you enjoy a slight kick, add crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked pasta into a large skillet or mixing bowl. Toss the pasta with the prepared tomato pesto, ensuring every strand is coated evenly.

Step 6

If needed, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.

Step 7

Divide the pasta among serving bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your Tomato Pesto Amato!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1050.1 grams (1050.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2101

Total Fat 160.50g	206%
Saturated Fat 27.60g	138%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 2712mg	118%
Total Carbohydrate 128.80g	47%
Dietary Fiber 13.60g	49%
Total Sugars 11.00g
Protein 45.60g	91%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 614mg	47%
Iron 8mg	47%
Potassium 1294mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.4%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 24.1%