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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne or fusilli pasta
  • ½ cup (125 g) prepared basil pesto
  • ½ cup (about 70 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Toss in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes to warm through and infuse the oil with their flavor.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in ½ cup (125 g) pesto and ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream, gently combining until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Avoid boiling.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  6. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss once more.
  7. Plate the creamy pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overheat the pesto to preserve fresh basil flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Use some oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra flavor. Add cream after lowering heat to avoid curdling. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, basil pesto, comfort food

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