Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients for 66 servings

• 33 pints cherry tomatoes
• 33 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 3/4 tablespoons kosher salt
• 16 1/2 pounds rigatoni
• 33 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 5 1/2 cups pine nuts, toasted
• 16 1/2 cloves garlic
• 8 1/4 cups grated parmesan, plus more for serving
• 8 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 16 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Step 1 of 5

   Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons oil and the salt on the baking sheet and roast 20 to 25 minutes, until blistered and some have burst.

2. Step 2 of 5

   Meanwhile make the pesto: pulse the basil, pine nuts and garlic in the food processor until finely chopped. Add the parmesan, then stream in the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice with the machine running. Season with salt.

3. Step 3 of 5

   Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Save 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.

4. Step 4 of 5

   Toss the pasta with the pesto and a splash of the cooking water until glossy, adding more water as needed.

5. Step 5 of 5

   Fold in the roasted tomatoes and their juices. Serve with more parmesan.