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In our fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can often feel like a daunting task. Enter the 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta, a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of quick, flavorful cooking. This recipe isn't just about speed; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together in harmony to create a delightful dining experience. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who enjoys culinary simplicity without sacrificing taste, this pasta dish is your go-to solution.

20 Minute Pasta | Creamy, Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta with spinach & shallots

Discover the joy of cooking with our 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta, a quick and delicious solution for busy lives. This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a silky sauce made from cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic shallots and garlic. Enhanced by a rich basil pesto and your choice of cream, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this recipe for lunch or dinner and make mealtime a delightful experience without the stress.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped

2 shallots, finely sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts.

        Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Then, add the basil pesto, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy immediately!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4