Looking for a delicious and easy pasta dish for lunch or dinner? This farfalle with green pesto and tomatoes is quick to prepare, fresh and full of flavor. The combination of creamy pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula and Parmesan makes it a simple meal that works perfectly for busy weekdays.
What I love about this recipe is that you only need a few ingredients and very little preparation. You can enjoy it as it is or add pine nuts or grilled chicken for some extra protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 1/2 cup green pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pine nuts or grilled chicken for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the green pesto to the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and arugula to the mixing bowl and toss gently.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Optional: serve with pine nuts or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.
Recipe Tips
For the best result, cook the farfalle until just al dente so the pasta keeps its texture when mixed with the pesto. I also recommend adding the arugula at the very end so it stays fresh and only wilts slightly from the warm pasta. If the pesto feels too thick, simply mix in a little reserved pasta water until you reach the consistency you like.
What to Serve with Farfalle and Pesto
This pasta works well as a simple meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables or some crusty bread. If you want to add more protein, grilled chicken is an easy addition.
This farfalle with green pesto and tomatoes is one of those simple recipes that proves you don’t need many ingredients to make a flavorful meal. It’s quick, fresh and easy to adapt depending on what you have at home.
Looking for another easy lunch idea? Try my Creamy lemon garlic pasta with scampi.
