Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Feast

When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, this Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes has become one of my go-to options. I love how the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients come together to create a delightful dish in just 20 minutes. The pesto adds a fragrant herbaceousness, perfectly complemented by the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes. It's ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, and I always find myself reaching for seconds. This recipe is truly a celebration of fresh flavors and effortless cooking.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:36:43.293Z

As I whipped up this Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes, it reminded me of summer evenings spent in the garden, surrounded by the rich aroma of basil. The method I use for pesto balances the nuts, garlic, and olive oil just right, creating a smooth yet robust sauce. I've found that toasting the pine nuts beforehand enhances their flavor significantly.

Using ripe cherry tomatoes adds not just color to the dish, but their natural sweetness balances the pesto’s saltiness beautifully. One little tip: don't forget to reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency—it works every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh basil and nutty pesto create a rich flavor profile
Juicy cherry tomatoes pop with each bite
Quick preparation makes it perfect for any meal

Unlocking Pesto Perfection

The type of basil you choose can greatly affect the flavor of your pesto. Fresh, sweet basil is ideal, as it provides a bright and aromatic profile that elevates the dish. When using basil, be careful not to over-process it, which can turn the beautiful green leaves into a brown mush. Pulse until finely chopped but still vibrant. Additionally, you can experiment with different nuts if pine nuts are not available; walnuts or cashews can impart a unique twist to the flavor while maintaining the creamy texture.

Pine nuts, while tasty, can be pricey. To make this recipe more budget-friendly, consider using sunflower seeds or even chopped almonds as a less expensive substitute. Toast them lightly on medium heat until fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the sauce. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to charred quickly.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

When cooking the bow tie pasta, aim for ‘al dente’ texture for the best bite. This means cooking the pasta until it’s firm to the bite, approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Make sure to taste a piece before draining. Also, don’t forget to reserve that half cup of pasta cooking water—the starches in it can help loosen your pesto sauce without diluting the flavors, making for a silkier coating.

Cherry tomatoes also play a pivotal role in this dish. Their natural sweetness and acidity balance the richness of the pesto beautifully. For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the tomatoes at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the pasta. This will soften them and bring out their sweetness. If you enjoy a bit of smokiness, consider adding a dash of smoked sea salt to the mix for a surprising flavor kick.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful pasta dish:

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. While the processor is running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pesto and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Serve

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and colorful pasta dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try roasting the cherry tomatoes before mixing them into the pasta. Their sweetness intensifies, creating a beautiful flavor combination with the pesto.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time during the week, this Bow Tie Pasta can be made ahead of time. Prepare the pesto and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cook the pasta in advance; simply cool it and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you're ready to eat, warm the pasta gently on the stove with the pesto and cherry tomatoes, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to rehydrate the sauce.

Additionally, this dish can be frozen. Once assembled, place the pasta with pesto and tomatoes into a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through—the tomatoes will soften more, giving a delightful texture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a luxurious touch. Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the pasta’s richness.

For a protein boost, adding grilled shrimp or chicken can turn this light meal into a heartier option. Simply season your protein of choice, grill until cooked through, and mix it into the pasta just before serving. This not only enhances the dish with additional flavor but also makes it more filling for those who prefer a substantial meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver great flavor.

→ What can I substitute for pine nuts?

You can use walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different flavor and texture.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken or shrimp can be fantastic additions for more protein.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.