Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of silky linguine, draped in vibrant green pesto and burst of fresh tomato goodness - this isn't just a meal, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Our Pesto Linguine in Fresh Tomato Sauce is the ultimate quick and delicious dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Italian-inspired dish promises to elevate your weeknight dining experience with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked linguine, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add the pesto sauce to the linguine and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to help it coat the noodles.
- Pour the sautéed tomatoes over the pesto-coated linguine. Gently mix to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use the freshest tomatoes possible - ripe, in-season tomatoes will dramatically enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key - it should have a slight bite and firm texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- If you're short on time, high-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly as a quick alternative.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make this a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 417kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
