Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto

Orecchiette with Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that captures the essence of summer. This quick and easy recipe brings together the sweetness of fresh cherry tomatoes, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the aromatic richness of basil pesto, creating a delightful meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, this versatile dish can be enjoyed warm or as a refreshing cold pasta salad.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb. orecchiette pasta
  • kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lb. (or more) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 lb. ciliegene (small balls) mozzarella
  • fresh basil
  • shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)
  • fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the orecchiette in salted boiling water until al dente (about 9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid before draining.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over high heat and sauté halved cherry tomatoes for about 30 seconds until softened.
  3. Add cooked orecchiette and basil pesto to the skillet; stir for about 1 minute to combine.
  4. Gently fold in ciliegene mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.
  5. Serve immediately, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and black pepper if desired.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Use high-quality fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Adjust cooking time to keep the pasta al dente. Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or different cheeses like burrata or feta.

save me