Try this Italian sundried tomato pesto pasta recipe
Italian sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish, bringing Italy's essence to your table without meat or eggs. Originating from Italy's rich culinary traditions, it combines tangy sun-dried tomatoes with creamy pesto, tossed with your favorite pasta. This meal showcases how simple ingredients can create a comforting yet sophisticated dish. So, let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To make this delightful dish, gather 200 grams of preferred pasta (penne or spaghetti), one cup sundried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed), two garlic cloves, one-fourth cup pine nuts or walnuts (for a budget option), one-half cup fresh basil leaves, one-third cup extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and one-fourth cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegans).
Preparing your pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. This usually involves boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt, adding the pasta, and cooking for about eight to 10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve one cup of pasta water for later use and then drain the rest. Set your cooked pasta aside.
Making sundried tomato pesto
As your pasta cooks, start making the sundried tomato pesto. In a food processor or blender, add the sundried tomatoes, garlic cloves, pine nuts or walnuts, and fresh basil leaves. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water. Blend everything until it achieves a smooth consistency. While blending, slowly incorporate the extra-virgin olive oil. Finally, season your pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining pasta and pesto
In a large mixing bowl or back in your pot over low heat, combine the cooked pasta with your freshly made sundried tomato pesto. Toss well to ensure each strand or piece of pasta is evenly coated with pesto. If the mixture seems too thick or dry, add more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Serving your dish
Serve the warm Italian sundried tomato pesto pasta in bowls, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping into any extra sauce. This dish is perfect for those seeking vegetarian, eggless comfort food that's both easy to make and rich in flavor.
