Easy Casarecce Pasta with Pesto

Casarecce pasta with baby heirloom tomatoes and artichoke feature image

5 from 2 votes

This easy Casarecce Pasta Salad with Pesto is your new go-to for a quick, fresh, and satisfying meal. With tender pasta, bold pesto, and simple add-ins like cherry tomatoes or mozzarella, this one-pot recipe comes together in under 15 minutes—perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a last-minute side.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Calories: 451kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Pasta pot
Colander
Cutting board
Knife
Citrus squeezer

Ingredients

1 pound Casarecce pasta
¾ cup pesto
1 ½ pints baby heirloom tomatoes
1 33 ounce jar artichoke hearts drained
12 Mozzarella snacking cheese balls
6-8 basil leaves fresh
½ lemon juice of
½ teaspoon salt for pasta boil
¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the Casarecce pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Halve all the baby heirloom tomatoes. Stack the fresh basil leaves together, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin ribbons (also known as chiffonade).
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the diced baby heirloom tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and the desired amount of pesto. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the pasta mixture along with the mozzarella snacking cheese to a refrigerator-safe container. Chill for a minimum of one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, remove the pasta from the refrigerator and gently mix in the mozzarella cheese. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

Storage Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.

Substitutions

Tomatoes: Standard grape or cherry tomatoes can be used in place of heirloom tomatoes.
Artichoke: The non-marinated variety would also work well.
Pasta: Choose any type of pasta you like!

Nutrition The provided nutrition information is only an estimate.

Nutrition