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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Process briefly to combine.
Transfer the cooked penne to a large mixing bowl. Add the sun-dried tomato pesto and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
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.
Serve the penne warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
807 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.5 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 1726 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.3 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 711 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 791 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
