Pesto Pasta with Garlic Bread

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz penne and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes, then reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add the 1/2 sliced onion and cook until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta, 1/2 cup pesto, and the onion-tomato mixture. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.

Step 5

Toast the garlic bread according to package directions until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Serve the pasta topped with the 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and the garlic bread on the side.

Step 7

For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan if you have them.