A bright, garden-fresh pasta tossed in basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese — summer in a bowl.

There’s something about summer that makes me want to keep things simple in the kitchen. Less heat, fewer dishes, and way more flavor.

This Summer Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes is exactly that.

I started making it on nights when I had a container of pesto, some cherry tomatoes that were on their last leg, and not a whole lot of time. It turned into one of our favorite warm-weather dinners — light but filling, fresh but comforting, and oh-so-easy.

The kind of meal that feels like you’re eating outside, even if you’re sitting at the kitchen table with the A/C on full blast.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add halved tomatoes. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tomatoes are softened and juicy. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Combine: Return pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Stir in pesto and just enough reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add the sautéed tomatoes and toss everything together.

4. Finish: Top with Parmesan and fresh basil if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Swaps

• Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pasta — it works great in this.

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to bulk it up.

• Homemade pesto bonus: If you’ve got a garden or basil on hand, making your own pesto adds amazing flavor.

• Make it ahead: This dish holds up well at room temp — perfect for picnics or prepping ahead.

Why You'll Love It

This is one of those dinners that feels like a little breath of fresh air. It’s quick, nourishing, and bursting with the best of summer — sweet tomatoes, fragrant pesto, and pasta that satisfies without weighing you down. Even better? It’s just as good the next day for lunch.

Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 11g

• Carbs: 42g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g