Pasta with Tomato Pesto and Garlicky Breadcrumbs

User Reviews

5.0

36 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    994 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Pasta with Tomato Pesto and Garlicky Breadcrumbs

This super delicious tomato pesto pasta with roasted tomato pesto, fresh mozzarella, basil, and garlicky breadcrumbs is so easy to make (especially if you make the pesto and breadcrumbs ahead of time).

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Ingredients

Servings

For the tomato pesto:

  • 12 ounces cherry tomatoes , 1 pint
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 garlic clove , peeled and smashed
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the pasta

  • 1 pound rigatoni (or other short pasta)
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 garlic clove , pressed or grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon , for zesting (you will only zest about half)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup fresh basil , torn or roughly chopped, for serving
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Instructions

  1. Make the pesto. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and move them around with your hands to coat the tomatoes. Roast for 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  2. While the tomatoes roast, toast your almonds. Add them to a small skillet over low heat and cook, tossing often (so they toast evenly) for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the toasted almonds and the garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the cooled roasted tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and salt. Pulse well to combine, using a spatula on the sides of the food processor (this can be on the chunkier side if you prefer but I like mine pretty smooth). Drizzle the olive oil through the shoot while the processor is running until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
  4. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to a large serving bowl.
  5. While the pasta is cooking, toast your breadcrumbs. Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat then add the olive oil and garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the Panko, red pepper flakes, and salt, tossing until there are no dry bits of Panko. Cook, stirring frequently until the breadcrumbs are evenly golden brown and fragrant (about 5 minutes), taking care that nothing burns. Remove from heat and grate the lemon zest into the breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Add 1 ½ cups of the pesto with the pasta and toss well to combine. Add the mozzarella pearls and toss again. Divide between 4 serving bowls and top each portion with more fresh lemon zest, basil, red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of Panko breadcrumbs (or more, if you like).

Notes

  • Tomato pesto recipe adapted from here.
  • here
  • Depending on how much breadcrumbs you add to each pasta serving, you may have some left over. If you do, sprinkle over salads or roasted veggies (or save for other pasta dishes).
  • Leftover pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 994kcal (50%) Carbohydrates 105g (35%) Protein 29g (58%) Fat 52g (80%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Monounsaturated Fat 30g Trans Fat 0.003g Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 1072mg (45%) Potassium 739mg (21%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 1400IU (28%) Vitamin C 44mg (49%) Calcium 326mg (33%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 994 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 994kcal 50%
Carbohydrates 105g 35%
Protein 29g 58%
Fat 52g 80%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 30g 150%
Trans Fat 0.003g 0%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 1072mg 45%
Potassium 739mg 16%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 1400IU 28%
Vitamin C 44mg 49%
Calcium 326mg 33%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

36 reviews
Excellent

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