Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
A quick and easy creamy pesto pasta featuring fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. This recipe blends creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter option)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (125g) fresh mozzarella balls, torn or sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.
- Add 8 ounces (225g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Reserve about 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup (120ml) pesto and 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream. Warm for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
- Stir in 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Fold in 1 cup (150g) halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup (125g) torn fresh mozzarella. Gently toss to combine without breaking mozzarella.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss gently.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Salt pasta water well to enhance flavor. Warm pesto and cream gently to avoid curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Be gentle when mixing in mozzarella to keep texture intact. Prepare sauce and pasta separately if making ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, homemade pesto pasta, vegetarian pasta, gluten-free pasta option