Sun Dried Tomato and Rocket Pesto Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato and Rocket Pesto Pasta. Packed with the bold, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the peppery bite of fresh rocket (arugula), this pasta dish is a quick and delicious way to elevate your mealtime. The velvety pesto, enriched with toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, clings beautifully to al dente penne, while a splash of starchy pasta water creates a silky-smooth sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights and makes an impressive vegetarian option for entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan, rocket, and pine nuts for a restaurant-quality finish. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, this recipe is as stunning as it is satisfying!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 g Penne pasta
- 100 g Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 50 g Rocket (arugula)
- 40 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 30 g Pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 80 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 50 ml Pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 50 ml of pasta water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, rocket (arugula), grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and lemon juice.
Pulse the mixture a few times to combine evenly.
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend until the mixture forms a smooth, thick pesto. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper, then blend again to incorporate.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sun-dried tomato and rocket pesto. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of rocket leaves, or a few extra toasted pine nuts for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
492 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 866 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 602 mg | 13% | |
*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.
