Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring a rich, savory pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes, toasted nuts, and fresh basil.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) penne or fusilli pasta
- •1 cup (150g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- •1/2 cup (60g) toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- •1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- •2 cloves garlic, peeled
- •1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- •1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
- •1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, place the sun-dried tomatoes, toasted nuts, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese into a food processor.
- 3
Pulse the mixture while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until a thick, slightly textured paste forms.
- 4
Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
- 5
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot over low heat.
- 6
Add the sun-dried tomato pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the pot, tossing vigorously to coat the noodles evenly.
- 7
Add more pasta water if necessary to achieve a silky, smooth consistency that clings to the pasta.
- 8
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, then serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
💡 Chef tips
- If you prefer a lighter flavor, replace half of the sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers.
- The pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
- To toast the nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently until fragrant and golden.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should be a deep, vibrant red with a glossy coating on the pasta, smelling intensely of sweet tomatoes and garlic, with a savory, umami-rich flavor profile.