Basil and tomato pesto pasta

The best of Italian cooking is simple, quickly put together and bursting with fresh flavours - just like this delicious combination of a creamy pesto-style sauce coating fine linguine pasta, with juicy ripe tomatoes.

Serves 4

Prep time 15 mins

Cooking time 12 mins

Ingredients:-

4 garlic cloves

1 tsp very finely grated lemon zest

juice of 1 lemon

8 tbsp very finely chopped fresh basil leaves

200g/7 oz Quark soft cheese

salt and freshly ground black pepper

350g/12 oz dried linguine

8 midi vine tomatoes, halved or quartered

To garnish:-

basil leaves

Method:-

Peel and finely grate the garlic to a pulp and place in a food processor with the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil and quark cheese. Season well and blend until smooth.

Cook the linguine according to the packet instructions in a large saucepan and when cooked, drain and return to the saucepan. Stir in the pesto mixture and tomatoes and toss evenly to coat.

Ladle into warmed pasta bowls or plates, garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately, accompanied by a crisp green salad.