Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Brace yourselves for a burst of vibrant flavours with our Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Imagine al dente penne pasta coated in a basil-packed pesto sauce and studded with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It's a dish that's as invigorating as a summer's breeze.
Ingredients
For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
For the Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, gently heat the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a few minutes to release their flavour.
For the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.
- Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely ground.
- With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
To Assemble:
- Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes in the skillet.
- Stir in a generous amount of pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Cook for a minute or two until the pasta is well-coated and heated through.
- Serve the Pesto Penne with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
Healthy Hints:
Nutrient-Rich Pesto: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh basil. Moderation: Enjoy in moderation for a satisfying culinary experience.Fun Facts & Heritage:
Pesto: Originating in Genoa, Italy, pesto is a traditional sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Mediterranean staple, sun-dried tomatoes infuse a burst of concentrated flavour to dishes.Nutrition & Calories:
(Note: These values are rough estimates.) Per Serving:Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 55g
Protein: 10g
Sugar: 5g