Why Pasta with Sundried Tomato Pesto?
Pasta with sundried tomato pesto is a delicious and easy twist on traditional pasta dishes. With its creamy, savory flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients if you want to mix things up.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 500g of pasta
- 150g of sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the sundried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil.
- Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pesto to the pasta and toss until well coated.
- Serve hot.
Variations
There are many variations to this recipe that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the pesto for extra flavor.
- Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, to switch things up.
- Add some protein to the dish, like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitute the pine nuts for walnuts or almonds for a different taste.
- Make it vegan by using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Pasta with sundried tomato pesto is an easy and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, savory flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, with the ability to customize the ingredients, you can make this dish your own. Give it a try and see how easy and delicious it is!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. However, we recommend using a short pasta, such as fusilli, penne or rigatoni, as they work best with the pesto sauce.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto instead of making your own. However, the flavor may not be as fresh and vibrant as homemade pesto.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pesto up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover pesto?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pesto in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes, you can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for this recipe. However, you may want to reduce the amount of olive oil you add to the pesto to avoid it becoming too oily.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor to make the pesto?
Yes, you can use a blender to make the pesto. However, a food processor works best as it allows you to easily pulse the ingredients without over-blending them.
Can I add other ingredients to the pesto?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the pesto, such as pine nuts, almonds or Parmesan cheese. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and consistency of the pesto.
Can I use fresh basil instead of parsley?
Yes, you can use fresh basil instead of parsley in the pesto. This will give it a more traditional Italian flavor.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, you can serve this dish cold as a pasta salad. Simply cook the pasta, toss it with the pesto and allow it to chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables to this dish, such as roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, or grilled eggplant. This will add additional flavor and nutrition to the dish.
