Discover a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish with our Basil Mint Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Strawberries! This vibrant recipe combines the aromatic freshness of basil and mint with the sweetness of strawberries and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a tantalizing flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, this pasta is not only quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but it also delivers a stunning presentation that will wow your guests. Dive into this culinary adventure and elevate your pasta game today!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Prepare a separate bowl of ice water for cooling.
- While water is heating, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, mint leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant green pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain pasta and immediately return to the pot. Add prepared pesto and toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help sauce adhere.
- Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The success of this dish relies heavily on the freshness of your ingredients. Opt for vibrant, fresh basil and mint leaves, and ripe tomatoes and strawberries for the best flavor.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor, adding a lovely nuttiness to your pesto. Keep a close eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
- Adjust the Pesto Consistency: If your pesto is too thick after adding the olive oil, don’t hesitate to incorporate a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan cheese adds a classic touch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a vegan alternative for a different flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after mixing in the pesto and toppings to maintain the vibrant colors and flavors.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves on top can enhance the visual appeal and make your dish look even more inviting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
