Quick Penne Pesto with Tomatoes

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta: 500g
• Pesto sauce: 1 cup
• Fresh tomatoes: 300g (chopped)
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• Basil leaves: for garnishing

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with salt.
2. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and return to the pot.
4. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic.
5. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow the tomatoes to cook for a few minutes until they release their juices.
7. Add the pesto sauce to the pot with the pasta and mix well.
8. Pour the cooked tomato mixture into the pasta and mix thoroughly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
10. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on general nutrition facts and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

• Calories: approximately 500 calories per serving
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Creamy pesto sauce combined with fresh tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful dish
• Great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal

User Comments:

1. "This dish was so easy to make and tasted great! The pesto added a nice creamy texture to the pasta." - John Doe
2. "I loved the combination of pesto and tomatoes. This dish is definitely a keeper." - Jane Smith
3. "The basil garnish added a fresh note to the dish. This will be a regular at our dinner table." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality pesto sauce for the best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
• Make sure to cook the penne pasta until it is al dente (firm to the bite) to maintain its texture and avoid overcooking.