Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this delectable Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Pasta! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that combines the rich, tangy goodness of sun-dried tomatoes with the nutty crunch of pine nuts and the creamy finish of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dive into the world of Italian cuisine and discover how this vibrant pesto can transform your pasta into a gourmet experience!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and at room temperature. Prepare a large pot for boiling pasta and a food processor for making the pesto.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, peeled garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until ingredients are roughly chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture until a smooth, consistent pesto forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Return drained pasta to the pot, add the sun-dried tomato pesto, and toss thoroughly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to help sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes like fusilli or penne that hold onto the pesto beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic will enhance the flavors of your pesto. If possible, choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added richness.
- Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the pine nuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also intensifies their flavor. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be a game-changer for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your pesto! Adding fresh basil or spinach can give it a fresh twist, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve your pasta immediately after mixing with the pesto. This ensures that every bite is warm and flavorful.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hesitate to add extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat when serving.Enjoy crafting this vibrant dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
