Penne with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, a dish that combines bold Mediterranean flavors with effortless preparation. Perfectly al dente penne is tossed in a rich, velvety pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, fresh basil leaves, nutty Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and aromatic garlic. A drizzle of olive oil adds a luxurious texture, while a touch of reserved pasta water ensures the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil for a restaurant-quality finish. Whether you're a pesto lover or seeking a new pasta recipe to wow your guests, this vibrant and flavorful meal is a guaranteed hit!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup water (reserved from pasta)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto. In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (with some of the oil from the jar for extra flavor), basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Step 3
Pulse the ingredients together until a coarse mixture forms. Gradually add the olive oil while processing until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
Step 4
Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Process briefly to combine.
Step 5
Transfer the cooked penne to a large mixing bowl. Add the sun-dried tomato pesto and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Serve the penne warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Step 8
Enjoy your flavorful Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1110.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4869.0 |
| Total Fat 310.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 78.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 22.1g | |
| Cholesterol 190.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8076.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 369.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 33.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 35.1g | |
| Protein 163.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2836.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 28.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 8545.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories