This is a quick and delicious meal you can whip up for Valentine's Day or just a romantic date night in. It's super easy to make and packed with flavor. You'll want to make it over and over again!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Dinner, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Author: Jonathan Melendez
Equipment
Baking sheet
Food processor
Large pot
Ingredients
1pintcherry tomatoes
2tablespoonsolive oil
2large garlic clovessmashed and peeled
3sprigs of thyme
1/2teaspoonKosher salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
1/8teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
1 8-ouncecontainer cheese ravioli
1/2cupbocconcini mini mozzarella ballshalved
1tablespoonolive oil
2tablespoonspine nuts
2tablespoonsgrated parmesan
4fresh basil leaves torn
Pesto:
1cupfresh basil leaveswashed and dried
1large garlic clovepeeled
2teaspoonsfresh lemon zest
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
2tablespoonsgrated parmesan
1/2teaspoonKosher salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
pinchcrushed red pepper flakesoptional
2tablespoonspine nuts
1/3cupolive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Toss together the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes on a baking sheet until evenly combined. Roast until the tomatoes have softened and just begun to charr, about 15 minutes. Place the tomatoes under the broiler for about 5 minutes to brown them. Remove and let cool.
To make the pesto, combine all of the pesto ingredients (except the oil) in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the olive oil and purée until somewhat smooth. If too thick, add a splash more of oil. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning accordingly, adding more salt or pepper as needed. Transfer to a bowl and set aside until ready to use. Pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, well-wrapped, in the fridge.
Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil and season liberally with salt. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package direction. They should float to the top and be somewhat tender. Drain and divide between two plates. Top each with the roasted tomatoes, bocconcini, dollops of pesto, pine nuts, fresh basil, and parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and grind some fresh pepper on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!