SPAGHETTI WITH PESTO AND CHERRY TOMATOES
This Spaghetti with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and easy dish that delivers bold flavours with minimal effort. Whole wheat spaghetti serves as the base, topped with fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant pesto sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil tie everything together, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but tasty. The balance of fresh ingredients with classic pesto makes it nutritious and flavoured.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian, Mediterranean
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
Boil, Quick & Easy, No-Cook
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Dinner, Casual Meal, Picnic, Light Summer Meal
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Kid Friendly, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- 60g whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tbsp pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 14g
- Fibre: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin C: 20% of DV
- Calcium: 15% of DV
PREPARATION
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: While the spaghetti cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- Mix the Pasta: Toss the cooked spaghetti with 1 tbsp pesto sauce and 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a mixing bowl. Coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the spaghetti and toss gently—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; the al dente texture works best for this dish.
- Use a high-quality pesto sauce or homemade pesto for the best flavour.
- Choose ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
VARIATIONS
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost the nutrition.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan pesto and skip the Parmesan to make the dish completely plant-based.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: Do not freeze this dish; the tomatoes may lose texture, and the pesto can separate.