Creamy Pesto Pasta with Garlic Butter Tomatoes
This Creamy Pesto Pasta with Garlic Butter Tomatoes is an easy but delicious dinner you can quickly put together on a busy night.
Pesto Pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 lb. pasta (I used bucatini)
- 1 cup pre-made pesto 8 oz. jar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
Garlic Butter Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
- 2 cups large chopped tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Creamy Pesto Pasta
In a very large pot of boiling water, over high heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then add pasta. Cook until done.
Strain pasta and immediately transfer to a bowl with pesto. Mix well to ensure pasta doesn't stick toether.
Add cream and mix well. Then top with grated parmesan and lightly mix.
Garlic Butter Tomatoes
While pasta water is boiling, prepare tomatoes. Dice the tomatoes into large pieces (or you can use grape tomatoes, halved).
Add butter to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until bubbling. Then add garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn garlic.
Add tomatoes and stir to coat. Then add salt, sugar, and pepper. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly saucy.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Once pesto pasta is done and mixed well, top with garlic butter tomatoes. Leave as a topping or mix throughout. Top with fresh basil and more black pepper. The tomatoes add the best burst of freshness to the pesto. Enjoy!