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Pesto pasta with burst cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella — a 5-ingredient pasta dinner

5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta with Burst Tomatoes

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella torn
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

Method
 

  2. Cook penne in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Heat large skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil; cook cherry tomatoes 4-5 minutes until they burst and release juices.
  4. Reduce to low; add drained pasta, pesto, and 1/2 cup pasta water; toss 1 minute until glossy.
  5. Remove from heat; fold in torn mozzarella so it softens; top with fresh basil and serve.