Green Pesto Pasta Tomatoes (Print View)
Fresh basil pesto combined with pasta and sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful, easy Italian dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz dried pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ Fresh Basil Pesto
03 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
04 - 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
05 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 garlic cloves
07 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
→ Add-ins and Garnishes
10 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
11 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 - 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, for garnish (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain pasta thoroughly.
02 - While pasta cooks, add basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasonings.
03 - Transfer hot drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour pesto over pasta and toss vigorously to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve a silky, clinging sauce consistency.
04 - Gently fold sliced sun-dried tomatoes into the pesto-coated pasta, being careful not to tear the pasta pieces.
05 - Plate immediately while hot. Top with additional grated Parmesan and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve with extra pepper on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from an Italian kitchen
- The sun-dried tomatoes add this sweet tangy brightness that cuts through the rich pesto perfectly
02 -
- The pasta water is essential for creating that silky restaurant style coating, so do not skip it
- Blanch the basil for 10 seconds in boiling water if you want the brightest green color that lasts for days
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients help the pesto emulsify properly into that smooth sauce
- Process the nuts and garlic first before adding the basil for a more even texture