Pesto Pasta with Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• ½ cup pesto
• 1 loaf garlic bread
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ medium onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz penne and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes, then reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

2. 2

   While pasta cooks, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add the 1/2 sliced onion and cook until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta, 1/2 cup pesto, and the onion-tomato mixture. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.

5. 5

   Toast the garlic bread according to package directions until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Serve the pasta topped with the 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and the garlic bread on the side.

7. 7

   For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan if you have them.

Tools you’ll need

• large pot
• skillet
• colander
• large bowl
• knife
• cutting board

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