Linguini with sun-dried tomato pesto is the perfect dish for those who love pasta and rich flavors. This recipe is easy to make, and it only takes a few ingredients to create a satisfying and healthy meal.
Sun-dried tomato pesto is a great way to add flavor to pasta without adding too much sauce, making it perfect for those watching their calorie intake or looking for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. linguini
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguini according to package directions until al dente.
- In the meantime, prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto. In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (with some of their oil), garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
- Drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sun-dried tomato pesto and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked linguini to the skillet with the pesto and toss to combine. Add the remaining pasta water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
This recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some tips and variations:.
- If you don’t have linguini, feel free to use any other pasta shape you like.
- If you prefer a spicier pesto, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the food processor.
- If you’re not a fan of pine nuts, try using walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.
- If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
Conclusion
Linguini with sun-dried tomato pesto is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with linguini or any other pasta shape. This recipe is also very customizable, and you can adjust the ingredients to your liking or dietary restrictions. So next time you’re in the mood for pasta, give this recipe a try and taste the magic!.