![To make your Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta, gather these items: - 200g pasta (choose from penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably in oil for extra flavor) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted for crunch - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Extra fresh basil leaves for garnish - Pasta: Use 200g of your favorite type. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: One cup gives rich taste. - Basil Leaves: Half a cup adds freshness. - Pine Nuts: A quarter cup provides a nice crunch. - Garlic: Two cloves bring strong flavor. - Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup for creaminess. - Olive Oil: A quarter cup helps blend everything. - Salt and Pepper: Use to taste for seasoning. To make this dish, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A food processor for the pesto - A strainer to drain the pasta - A large mixing bowl for combining pasta and pesto - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy - A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing These ingredients and tools set you up for success. The blend of flavors will amaze you. You will enjoy how easy it is to create this dish. For the full recipe, refer to the beginning of the article. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add some salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it bubbles, add 200g of your favorite pasta. You can use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Cook according to the package, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to check for al dente. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps the pesto stick. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take out your food processor. Add 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup of fresh basil, and 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse this mixture until it is finely chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed. Now, with the processor running, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the pesto is creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right. In a large mixing bowl, add the hot, drained pasta. Pour the sun-dried tomato pesto over it. Toss the pasta and pesto together well, making sure every piece is coated. Taste it and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. This is where the magic happens! You can find the full recipe for this dish at [Full Recipe]. To get the right pesto texture, start with sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. This adds rich flavor. When you blend the pesto, use the food processor. Gradually add olive oil while blending. If it feels too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps achieve the creaminess you want. Always taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper for the best flavor. Cooking pasta correctly is key. Use a large pot with plenty of boiling, salted water. Add pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Check the package for cooking time. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. Before draining, save some pasta water. This starchy water can help improve your pesto. Drain the pasta and mix it with the pesto right away for the best taste. Make your dish stand out! Serve the pasta in warm bowls. Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for color. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. These details make your meal look gourmet! Enjoy showing off your beautiful sun-dried tomato pesto pasta. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} If you want to make this dish gluten-free, choose pasta made from rice or corn. You can find gluten-free penne, fusilli, or spaghetti at most stores. Cook it the same way as regular pasta. The flavor and texture will still shine through with sun-dried tomato pesto. To make this meal heartier, add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work great. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and sauté until cooked through. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink. Mix the protein right into the pasta with the pesto for a filling dish. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables in a bit of olive oil before mixing them into the pasta. You can also add roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. These add-ins make the dish colorful and tasty. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Leftover sun-dried tomato pesto pasta can be stored easily. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This way, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you pack it well, it won't dry out. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet for the best flavor. Heat a little olive oil over low heat. Add the pasta and stir gently. If it's dry, you can mix in some water or extra pesto. This helps bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save the pesto, freezing works great. Pour the pesto into ice cube trays for easy use. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag. They can last for about three months. When you're ready to use them, just thaw the cubes in the fridge overnight or mix them into hot pasta directly. This keeps your meals quick and tasty! Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a simple dish that packs a lot of flavor. It features pasta tossed with a rich pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and nuts. The creamy texture comes from olive oil and Parmesan cheese. This meal is quick to make and perfect for any night. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner. Yes, you can make sun-dried tomato pesto pasta vegan! To do this, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Use a plant-based pasta if you prefer. This keeps the dish full of flavor while meeting vegan needs. Just make sure to check all other ingredients for animal products. Sun-dried tomato pesto lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want the pesto to last longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. This way, you can use just what you need later. Enjoy your sun-dried tomato pesto pasta using the full recipe for the best taste! This article shared all you need to know about sun-dried tomato pesto pasta. You learned the key ingredients and best tools, plus step-by-step cooking tips. I offered helpful advice on creating the perfect pesto and impressing your guests. You can try variations for gluten-free options, protein boosts, or extra veggies. Don't forget how to store leftovers for future meals. Embrace this dish; it's simple, tasty, and sure to please. Enjoy making this pasta!](https://tastymomrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/3611ec3f-a301-4fff-b23d-a49660103ed3-250x250.webp)
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Dive into a mouthwatering world of flavor with this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Delight! This easy to follow recipe features tender pasta coated in a creamy, homemade pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes.