21 Mar 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
12 oz pasta
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 cup arugula
1/2 cup basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
1 dash salt
Roast Cherry Tomato and Rocket Pesto Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula (also known as rocket), aromatic basil, and rich pine nuts. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes:
- Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
4. Prepare the Rocket (Arugula) Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a dash of salt.
- Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.
- Gradually add the olive oil while processing until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl a couple of times.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pesto and pulse a few more times to incorporate. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Dish:
- Add the roasted cherry tomatoes to the pasta and gently toss to distribute them evenly.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Roast Cherry Tomato and Rocket Pesto Spaghetti!
Tips:
- Tip 1: Roast the cherry tomatoes until they are just starting to blister and caramelize for the best flavor.
- Tip 2: Use high-quality olive oil for the pesto to enhance the taste of the dish.
- Tip 3: Toast the pine nuts lightly before adding them to the pesto to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Tip 4: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the pesto sauce if needed.
- Tip 5: Mix the pasta with the pesto and roasted tomatoes right after draining to ensure the pasta absorbs all the flavors.
Roast Cherry Tomato and Rocket Pesto Spaghetti is a simple yet gourmet dish that combines fresh and roasted ingredients to create a satisfying meal. With a few tips and tricks, you can elevate this recipe to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful and colorful pasta dish!