Ingredients
– 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and black pepper (to taste)
– Optional: crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
Making Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3. Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season: Taste the pesto and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the sun-dried tomato pesto until well coated.
6. Adjust Consistency: If necessary, add more reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 12g