Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It's packed full of flavor and uses simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a dish that goes beyond the ordinary.

The combination of the ingredients creates a pesto with a unique depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta. With its rich flavor and versatility, you can serve this meal as part of your main course or even as an appetizer. 

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that is quick and easy to make yet full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an amazing dinner.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this classic dish only requires a few simple ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese, to make this tasty dinner.

So if you’re looking for something special to make at home, try Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta – it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients needed:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic cloves, crushed
• Basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pasta: Dried

How to Cook Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: For one minute less, cook the pasta than the packing directions instruct. Drain the water but reserve 4 tbsp cooking water for the sauce. 
2. Pulse the ingredients: Prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto while the pasta cooks. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves, basil, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse for around 1 minute or until you have a thick paste. With the food processor running, slowly pour the olive oil. The mixture should be smooth. 
3. Add the pesto: Finally, add the pesto to the cooked pasta and drizzle with the reserved cooking water. Cook over medium heat until the pasta sauce thickens and is completely coated with the pesto.

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How to serve:

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta can be served in various ways to suit different preferences. For example, it can be served as a main dish with a side salad or some crusty bread. Alternatively, it can be tossed with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and texture.

This tomato pesto pasta can also be used in various dishes such as pasta salads, casseroles, or frittatas. The possibilities are endless! 

Frequently asked questions:

Can you put sun-dried tomatoes in pesto pasta?

Sun-dried tomatoes can be used in pesto pasta to add a unique flavor and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes are often used in Mediterranean cooking and have a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs well with the garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in pesto pasta.

The sun-dried tomatoes also provide a  unique texture and color to the dish.

To incorporate them into pesto pasta, blend together sun-dried tomatoes with the other ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Then add it to the cooked pasta and enjoy!

Does sundried tomato pesto go bad?

Sun-dried tomato pesto can go bad if it is not stored properly. Due to the acidity of the tomatoes and the oil used to make them, the pesto can last for a couple of months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Why does my pesto pasta taste dry?

If your pesto pasta tastes dry, likely, you didn't add enough olive oil or other liquid (such as vegetable broth) to the sauce. When making pesto, adding a generous amount of liquid is important for the flavors and textures to come together well.

Additionally, if you've used too much Parmesan cheese, this can also contribute to a dry taste. To remedy this, try adding more olive oil or vegetable broth and/or reducing the amount of Parmesan cheese in the recipe. 

How to store leftovers:

Leftover sun-dried tomato pesto pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftovers for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the frozen pesto in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Recipe Tips:

• The pesto is honestly delicious, with pretty much anything else you can think of. I usually make a large batch and refrigerate it and then use it during the week as a sandwich spread, dip, and with salads. 
• You can also serve the pasta with burrata cheese on top to elevate it. 
• If you want to add protein to your meal, add some grilled chicken. The chicken and sun-dried tomato pesto are delicious.