Wholesome Courgette Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Designed for busy evenings, this recipe uses minimal active time to bring a vibrant and satisfying meal to your table. It’s a perfect example of how simple, healthy ingredients, often already in your cupboard or weekly shopping basket, can be transformed into something fresh and exciting. This wholewheat pasta with courgette pesto and cherry tomatoes offers a balanced nutritional profile and a flavour that will brighten your routine. It’s an ideal choice for a quick yet nourishing dinner when time is of the essence, without compromising on taste or quality.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 5.6 oz (160g) wholewheat short pasta (e.g., fusilli, penne)
• 1 medium courgette (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g)
• 1.1 oz (30g) fresh basil (one bunch)
• 0.7 oz (20g) blanched almonds
• 1.1 oz (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1.4 fl oz (40ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 5.3 oz (150g) cherry tomatoes
• Fine sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook the wholewheat pasta according to package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. Wash the courgette and cut it into rough pieces. Wash the basil and peel the garlic.
3. In a blender, combine the courgette pieces, basil, almonds, Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, 1 fl oz (30ml) of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of pepper. Blend until you have a smooth and velvety cream.
4. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
5. Drain the pasta, reserving a ladleful of the cooking water. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl, add the courgette pesto and the chopped cherry tomatoes.
6. Mix well, adding a splash of the pasta cooking water if needed to combine the sauce better and make it creamier. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the pasta warm, optionally with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; best consumed cold or at room temperature, as basil pesto can discolour if reheated.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Preparing a nutritious and flavourful meal in little time can become a rewarding habit. These simple, reliable recipes are designed to fit effortlessly into your weekly routine, offering practical solutions that don’t sacrifice taste or wellbeing. Integrating dishes like this can simplify dinner management, ensuring a delightful outcome every time.