Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! If you're on the hunt for a quick yet delicious meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further than our "All Time Favorite Pasta." This vibrant dish, bursting with the fresh flavors of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this pasta recipe is not just a meal—it's a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure delight? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 jar pesto sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add 1 lb of penne pasta to the pot. Stir the pasta gently to prevent it from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 11-13 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. If you are using fresh mozzarella balls, drain them and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and the mozzarella balls. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then toss gently to mix.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Immediately transfer the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Add 1 jar of pesto sauce to the pasta, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your All Time Favorite Pasta warm, and consider pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Salt the Water Generously: When boiling your pasta, don't skimp on the salt! It’s essential for enhancing the flavor of the pasta itself, so make sure the water tastes like the sea.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture not only tastes better but also holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls you can find. Their natural sweetness and creaminess will elevate the dish to new heights.
- Toss Gently: When combining the pasta with the sauce and other ingredients, toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta and to ensure even coating.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Pair It Right: Consider serving your pasta with a light side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal and make it even more satisfying.With these tips in mind, you're all set to create a pasta dish that will become a staple in your home. Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 602kcal
Carbohydrates: 88g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
