Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you a fan of pasta? Do you enjoy the burst of flavors that come from a delicious pesto sauce?

Jump to recipePin it
Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it is tender but still firm to the bite. Stir occasionally. This should take around 8 minutes.

  2. Drain the cooked pasta, but make sure to reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

  3. In a food processor, blend the sun-dried tomatoes along with their oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil. Continue blending until the tomatoes are finely chopped.

  4. Transfer the tomato mixture from the food processor to a large bowl.

  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese into the tomato mixture.

  6. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the tomato and Parmesan mixture. Toss the pasta to coat it with the mixture.

  7. Gradually add the reserved cooking liquid to the pasta and pesto mixture, ensuring that it is moistened enough.

  8. Season the pasta with salt and pepper according to your taste.

  9. Serve the pasta dish.

About this recipe

Are you a fan of pasta? Do you enjoy the burst of flavors that come from a delicious pesto sauce? If so, then you're in for a treat! In this article, we'll be exploring the delightful world of Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and learn how to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more!

The Magic of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Imagine the sun-kissed sweetness of ripe tomatoes, concentrated and intensified through the drying process. Now, envision these vibrant tomatoes blended with aromatic basil, rich olive oil, and a hint of garlic. The result? A luscious and flavorful pesto that adds a burst of Mediterranean goodness to your favorite pasta.

The Perfect Pasta Pairing

Penne, with its slender tube-like shape, is the ideal pasta to accompany the bold flavors of sun-dried tomato pesto. Its ridges and hollow center capture the pesto, ensuring each mouthful is filled with a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The penne acts as a vessel, delivering the pesto directly to your taste buds.

A Simple yet Sophisticated Dish

One of the beauties of Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a delectable meal that will impress your friends and family. Plus, it's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special occasion.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?

While penne is the classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta shapes too! Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti can work well with sun-dried tomato pesto.

. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?

Although the flavor profile will be different, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.

. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is a vegetarian-friendly dish that celebrates the natural goodness of plant-based ingredients.

. Can I make a large batch of the pesto and store it for later?

Definitely! Sun-dried tomato pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's a convenient option for meal prepping or adding a burst of flavor to other dishes.

. Can I add other ingredients to the pesto?

Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the pesto. Some popular additions include pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.

. Does this dish pair well with wine?

Absolutely! The robust flavors of Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto complement a variety of wines. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied red like Merlot can be excellent choices.

. How can I make this dish more filling?

If you're looking to add some protein to the dish, consider tossing in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. These additions will not only make the dish heartier but also provide a satisfying balance of flavors.

. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! There are many gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice pasta or chickpea pasta, that work wonderfully with sun-dried tomato pesto. Just make sure to check the packaging for any allergen information.

In conclusion, Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto is a delightful dish that brings together the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshness of basil, and the comfort of pasta. It's a simple yet sophisticated meal that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and pasta lovers alike. So why not give it a try and savor the flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite?

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More dinner

See all →