Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 8 oz. penne pasta (3 cups)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 

Instruction

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add penne pasta and a little bit salt, and cook till al dente (fully cooked but still firm) about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Do not overcook the pasta. Turn off the heat and reserve at least 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool for 1 minute.
  • Transfer pasta into a large mixing bowl and add pesto and reserved pasta water (1/4 cup or more, if desired). Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Stir in cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top, if desired.