This Cherry Tomato & Pesto Pasta recipe is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes with rich, aromatic pesto for a comforting yet light Italian-inspired meal.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity—it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.
Nutritionally, it offers a balanced profile with 14g of plant-based protein and 5g of fiber per serving, supporting satiety and digestive health.
The use of olive oil and pesto provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the low saturated fat content makes it a smarter alternative to heavier cream-based pasta sauces.
With fresh vegetables and minimal processed ingredients, this dish delivers a wholesome, home-cooked experience that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Its adaptability allows you to swap in whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options, making it a versatile staple for various dietary needs.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
All-Clad Stainless Steel Large Saute Pan (12-inch)
Perfect for evenly sautéing onions and simmering tomatoes without burning, this pan ensures consistent heat distribution for a perfectly silky sauce. A high-quality saute pan is a kitchen essential for everything from stir-fries to one-pan meals.
Le Creuset Enamel-Coated Pasta Pot with Strainer Insert
This pot allows you to cook pasta to perfection while easily reserving cooking water for the sauce. It’s ideal for pasta lovers and doubles as a versatile stockpot for soups and stews.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
Effortlessly crush garlic for maximum flavor infusion, saving you time and effort compared to mincing by hand. A reliable garlic press elevates countless dishes by ensuring consistent garlic texture and flavor.
Zwilling Professional Chef’s Knife (8-inch)
A sharp, well-balanced knife is essential for quickly dicing onions and halving cherry tomatoes. A high-quality chef’s knife is a long-term investment that speeds up prep work across all your cooking tasks.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup (2-Cup)
Ideal for reserving and pouring pasta water, this heat-resistant cup is a must-have for measuring liquids in nearly any recipe.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, ladle out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside for later use. Drain the pasta and keep warm.
- Sauté the Onion Base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, translucent, and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook Down the Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, stirring to coat them in the oil and onions. Cover with a lid and allow them to steam and soften for 2–3 minutes. Once they begin to release their juices, uncover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Balsamic Glaze: Stir in the minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, letting the vinegar reduce slightly and deepen the sauce’s flavor. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
- Enrich with Pesto: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto, mixing well to fully incorporate it into the tomato sauce. Taste and adjust with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the sauté pan with the tomato-pesto mixture. Toss thoroughly, using a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Continue tossing over low heat until the pasta is evenly coated and glossy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates, garnish with extra fresh basil or grated Parmesan (optional), and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Chef’s Secrets for Pasta Perfection
The key to making this Cherry Tomato & Pesto Pasta truly exceptional lies in a few simple but powerful techniques.
First, always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea—to enhance the flavor of the noodles from the start.
When cooking the cherry tomatoes, let them soften naturally over medium heat without rushing; this allows them to release their juices and create a naturally sweet, rich sauce.
Adding pasta water at the end is a chef’s secret to achieving a silky, restaurant-style coating on every strand
Lastly, use a high-quality pesto with fresh basil and good olive oil—it makes all the difference in flavor depth and aroma.
Serving Suggestions for a Balanced Meal
This pasta shines as a main course but pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded Italian-inspired dinner.
A crisp, leafy green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to balance the richness of the pesto.
Freshly baked garlic bread or crusty ciabatta is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
For a protein boost, top the dish with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a handful of toasted pine nuts.
A light, chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon makes an ideal beverage pairing to complete the meal.
Storage Tips for Fresh Flavor
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
For longer storage, freeze the tomato-pesto sauce on its own in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
It’s best to cook the pasta fresh rather than freezing it, as frozen pasta can lose its ideal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While linguine works wonderfully for coating with sauce, penne, spaghetti, or fusilli are equally delicious and hold the tomato-pesto blend beautifully.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free pesto or make your own with basil, olive oil, nuts, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
3. Can I substitute canned tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes?
Fresh cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweet flavor, but you can substitute one 14-oz can of diced tomatoes in a pinch. The sauce will be slightly less fresh and vibrant but still tasty.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce is naturally gluten-free and will taste just as delicious.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can dry out the pasta.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by loveandgoodstuff. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.