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Creamy Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta Recipe with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic scape pesto paired with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for spring and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chopped garlic scapes (or 1/2 cup fresh basil and 2 cloves garlic as substitute)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or linguine recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (walnuts as alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes for al dente). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a food processor, combine garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse until finely chopped and creamy but still textured. Add pasta water as needed to blend smoothly.
  4. In a large skillet, warm heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to bubble around edges (2-3 minutes). Stir in pesto and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  5. Add drained pasta to skillet with pesto sauce and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Fold in roasted cherry tomatoes carefully to avoid breaking them. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Toast pine nuts lightly before adding to pesto for deeper flavor. Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking tomatoes to retain texture. Use tongs or large spoons to mix pasta and sauce gently. Soak roasting pan immediately after use for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, creamy pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, spring pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, pesto pasta

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-delicious/