Sun-Dried Tomato & Pesto Penne Perfection

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Penne Perfection

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 red onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 medium)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (85g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth or pasta water
• 1/2 cup (approx. 60g) good quality pesto (store bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes to release their flavour. Pour in the vegetable broth or reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer.
• Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	550 calories
Fat	30g
Fiber	5g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian

Right, let's talk pasta! Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, thinking "What on earth am I gonna make for dinner?" I do. All the time.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Pesto Penne Perfection: Your New Go-To Penne Pasta Recipe

Fancy something quick, easy and utterly delish? this vibrant penne pasta recipe , bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant pesto, is it! honestly, this is a bowlful of sunshine on a plate.

It's a flavour explosion that's surprisingly simple to whip up.

A Taste of Italy, Made Easy

This dish takes inspiration from sunny italy, where simple ingredients sing. it’s beginner friendly, needing just 35 minutes from start to finish.

This yummy comfort food feeds four happy souls. this alla vodka is not that kinda recipe, but the end results are the same: happiness.

Why You'll Love This

One of the best things about this is that it uses pesto. it’s loaded with antioxidants! this sun-dried tomato and pesto penne pasta recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.

Or a lazy weekend. it’s special because it tastes like you’ve slaved away for hours, when actually, it took less time than waiting for a takeaway! it might not be a full blown vodka pasta , but the flavours are banging!

Time to raid the cupboards. Let's see what ingredients we need for this penne alla vodka recipe (well, almost!).

Right, let’s get down to business with the backbone of our sun-dried tomato & pesto penne perfection : the ingredients! honestly, good ingredients are the secret weapon here.

This penne pasta recipe is about simplicity, so quality shines through.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Obvious, right? Make sure it's a decent brand. You want it al dente , not mush.

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml). Go for extra virgin. It makes a difference, trust me.

• Red Onion: 1 , finely chopped (approx. 1 medium).

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best. You can cheat with the pre-minced stuff but really?.

• Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (85g), oil-packed, drained and chopped. Quality alert!. Look for plump, juicy ones. The ones packed in oil are way better than the dry ones.

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick. I like a little heat, you know?.

• Vegetable Broth or Pasta Water: 1/2 cup (120ml). Don't skip this! It helps create a silky sauce.

• Pesto: 1/2 cup (approx. 60g). Here's the biggie! Get good quality pesto . Seriously. Store bought is fine, but if you can make your own, oh my gosh!, do it!.

• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g), grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated is a must!.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish. Adds a touch of elegance.

This alla vodka inspired recipe shines with good ingredients. for this creamy pasta dishes , the pesto's quality really makes or breaks this dish.

Think about how pesto is the star, so good quality counts, ya know?

Seasoning Notes

This vodka pasta dish is all about balance! the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes plays off the salty parmesan and the herby pesto.

This isn't just any pasta dinner recipes , it's about layering flavor!

• Essential Spice Combinations : Keep it simple. Salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!) are all you need.

• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Garlic is key! Don't be shy. And that fresh basil? Adds a gorgeous aroma.

• Quick Substitution Options : No pesto? Honestly, that's tough! A simple tomato sauce with lots of fresh basil could work, but it won't be the same Penne Alla Vodka Recipe .

Equipment Needed

Alright, you don't need fancy kit for this one, promise!

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta, duh.

• Colander: For draining said pasta.

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Where the magic happens!.

• Chef's Knife & Cutting Board: Chopping things is essential.

• Garlic Press (optional): If you're not a fan of mincing. I can't be arsed with it.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is important, but don't stress too much.

Want a yummy comfort food ? this is it! a truly great penne alla vodka starts with having the basic equipment to give you the best chance.

You can easily make this creamy vodka pasta yourself!

Alright, let's dive into this sun-dried tomato & pesto penne perfection ! honestly, this isn't just a pasta recipe; it’s yummy comfort food in a bowl.

Think mediterranean sunshine meets midweek madness quick, easy, and utterly delicious. we’re talking flavour town, folks! this vibrant penne pasta recipe brings a burst of sunshine to your table.

Get Your Prep On: The Mise en Place Lowdown

First, the essential mise en place . get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. it makes life so much easier, trust me.

We need 1 pound (450g) penne pasta , one red onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, and 1/2 cup (85g) of chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Don’t forget 1/2 cup of good quality pesto and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan.

Want some time saving tips? chop the onion and garlic while the pasta water heats up. it’s all about multitasking, innit? a quick safety reminder: be careful when chopping! honestly, nobody wants a trip to a&e.

From Hob to Heaven: Step-by-Step Action

Okay, here’s how it goes down:

1. Boil your penne pasta in salted water. Cook it until it's al dente . Remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Cook for about 30 seconds .
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for a couple of minutes, releasing that amazing flavour.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth or pasta water. Simmer for a bit.
5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto and Parmesan. If it's too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

Serve it up right away with fresh basil and more Parmesan. Boom. You just made a Penne Alla Vodka Recipe level dish but without the Vodka.

Pro Tips and Tricks (The Good Bits!)

Here are some insider secrets for this Creamy Pasta Dishes masterpiece:

• Don't overcook that pasta! Al dente is key.
• Always salt the pasta water. It seasons the pasta from the inside.

A common mistake? burning the garlic. keep the heat medium and watch it like a hawk. it also works well as a pasta dinner recipes .

You can even chop all the veggies earlier in the day. i'd also like to try this alla vodka style, but without the vodka, but that is a personal choice.

This dish is seriously versatile. You could even make it a Vodka Pasta just add a splash of vodka to the sauce after the garlic! Who am I kidding, it will be a Vodka Sauce if I did that!

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for our sun-dried tomato & pesto penne pasta recipe . this ain't just instructions, it's a guide to pasta perfection.

Think of these as insider secrets, yeah?

Recipe Notes: Pasta Perfection & Beyond

Honest to God, these are the little things that make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions: Plating & Presentation Like a Pro

Right, so you've got this amazing penne alla vodka or sun-dried tomato pasta. don’t just plop it on a plate! first, warm your plates.

It sounds poncy, but it keeps the yummy comfort food hotter for longer.

For a simple, yet elegant touch, twirl the penne pasta recipe using tongs as you place it on the plate.

A sprinkle of extra parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a few fresh basil leaves… boom! restaurant quality pasta dinner recipes .

Serve with a fresh green salad, a bit of crusty bread, and voila !

And hey, what about a drink? A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, is just the ticket. Seriously elevates the whole experience! Or a nice, cold Peroni. Your call, bruv!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers of this creamy pasta dishes . Lucky you! Here's how to keep it scrummy.

Refrigeration is key. Put it in an airtight container, and it'll be good in the fridge for up to three days. Simple as that.

Freezing isn't ideal for pasta, because the sauce can go a bit weird and watery when thawed. but, if you absolutely must, freeze individual portions.

Just be prepared for a slight change in texture.

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works. add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Or, you can reheat it gently in a pan on the hob. either way, make sure it's piping hot before you tuck in.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Penne Alla Vodka Recipe

Fancy a change? No problem! Let's talk variations.

To make this gluten free, just use gluten free penne pasta recipe . Easy peasy. For a vegetarian boost, throw in some roasted veg courgettes, bell peppers, aubergine, the lot!

For our pals eating vegan, just use a vegan pesto option (check the labels!). Or, go for a simple tomato sauce with fresh basil instead!

Swap out the Parmesan with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, let's keep it real simple. this vodka pasta is packed with goodness. the sun-dried tomatoes are full of antioxidants.

The pesto is a great source of healthy fats and basil, which is actually pretty good for ya.

But let’s not kid ourselves. it's not exactly health food. it's more about yummy comfort food . if you’re watching your calories, maybe go easy on the alla vodka sauce (but who are we kidding, it’s too good!).

Estimated values are about 550 calories per serving with the other values indicated on the outline, but remember these numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients.

Honestly? this sun-dried tomato & pesto penne pasta recipe is a winner! it’s dead easy, tastes amazing, and you can really make it your own.

So get in the kitchen and give it a go. you won't regret it!