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–+ servings

Simple Creamy Pesto Fusilli with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Rose
A quick and flavorful pasta dish made with fusilli, creamy homemade pesto, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal combines fresh herbs, rich creaminess, and vibrant textures in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • baking sheet for roasting tomatoes
  • blender or food processor for pesto
  • large pan for sauce
  • colander for draining pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 15–20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to make pesto.
  • In a large pan over low heat, add pesto and stir in heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes without breaking them too much.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk with Greek yogurt. Use nutritional yeast and plant-based cream for a dairy-free option. Swap pine nuts with sunflower seeds if needed. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, and avoid overheating pesto to maintain its fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2mg
Keyword creamy pesto pasta, easy pasta recipe, fusilli pesto, pasta with cherry tomatoes
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