Pesto Pasta Wreath

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 25 minutes
• total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 batch Giada’s pesto alla genovese, or roughly 1 cup store-bought pesto

1 pound short pasta, such as orecchiette

Kosher salt, for the pasta water

½ cup mozzarella pearls

1 14-ounce can yellow datterini tomatoes, drained

1 14-ounce can red datterini tomatoes, drained

Basil sprig, for garnishing

Directions

Place the prepared pesto in a large mixing bowl.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season generously with salt. Add the pasta to the water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Using a pasta spider, remove the pasta directly from the water to the pesto. Toss well to coat, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that clings to the pasta.

Prepare a large circular platter or large shallow bowl, and place a very small bowl or glass upside-down in the center of the platter. Spoon the pasta evenly on the platter around the small bowl. Carefully remove the small bowl so you have an empty space in the center of the platter.

Decorate the pasta with the mozzarella pearls along with the yellow and red tomatoes. Place a basil sprig at the “top” of the wreath to resemble a bow. Serve warm or room-temperature.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 6