Print

Fresh Ramp Pesto Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

fresh ramp pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy springtime pasta featuring vibrant ramp pesto and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, perfect for a fresh and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh ramps, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne recommended)

Instructions

  1. Rinse ramps well to remove any dirt. Roughly chop both the green leaves and white bulbs, setting aside about 2 cups.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned—about 3-4 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  3. In a food processor, combine ramps, toasted walnuts, grated Parmesan, garlic clove, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
  4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the skins start to blister and juices bubble.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces pasta according to package instructions until al dente—usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  7. Return drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Add ramp pesto and roasted tomatoes. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  8. Taste and add salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Do not over-roast the tomatoes; they should be soft but still hold their shape. Reserving pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce texture. Toast nuts gently to avoid bitterness. Pulse pesto ingredients gently to keep some texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ramp pesto, pasta recipe, roasted cherry tomatoes, spring pasta, easy pesto, homemade pesto, fresh herbs, walnut pesto

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/fresh-ramp-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes/