Gluten-Free Fusilli with Wild Fennel Pesto and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Gluten-Free Fusilli with Fennel Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Confit Cherry Tomatoes:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 20g of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of oregano. Add the brown sugar and a little fine salt and black pepper for flavor. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.

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2. Make the Fennel Pesto:
   While the tomatoes are roasting, wash the wild fennel thoroughly. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel and discard the stems, keeping only the tender fronds. Place the fennel fronds into a food processor. Add the blanched almonds, Grana Padano cheese, and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture, gradually adding the olive oil to form a smooth pesto.

3. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once the water is nearly at a rolling boil, add the gluten-free fusilli. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water.

4. Combine the Pasta and Pesto:
   In a large pan, place the fennel pesto. Add a ladle of hot pasta water to the pesto to loosen it and make it easier to toss with the pasta. Once the pasta is drained, add it to the pesto, stirring gently to coat every piece with the delicious fennel sauce.

5. Finish the Dish:
   When the cherry tomatoes have finished roasting, remove them from the oven and add them to the pasta, stirring gently to combine. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
   Plate the pasta and top with extra Grana Padano cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this fragrant, wholesome dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Gluten-Free Fusilli with Fennel Pesto and Confit Cherry Tomatoes is the perfect balance of earthy fennel, rich almond pesto, and the sweet, tangy burst of slow-roasted tomatoes. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish celebrates fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just craving something lighter, this pasta is bound to be a hit!