Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
1 cup basil pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
2 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking; transfer to a large bowl.
While pasta is cooking, halve cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls; toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently—remove from heat and cool.
Add basil pesto and olive oil to pasta; toss until evenly coated.
Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts gently.
Season with salt and pepper to taste; toss again to combine.
Optional: garnish with fresh basil before serving. Can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes