Pasta With Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
3
-
Calories
522 kcal
-
Course
Side Dish, Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Pasta With Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)
Description
Pasta With Pesto Rosso uses oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes blended with pine nuts, Grana Padano cheese, garlic, fresh basil, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to create a thick, textured pesto. This pesto is not fully smooth but retains some chunkiness, giving a rustic sauce that clings well to the pasta.
After cooking fusilli pasta until al dente, the pesto is lightly roasted in olive oil with minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and optionally red chili slices, intensifying the flavors and adding a gentle roasted note. The pasta is then tossed in this sauce with reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat each piece evenly. Grated Grana Padano and fresh basil are added on top for brightness and richness.
The dish is savory and slightly tangy from sun-dried tomatoes, with a warm roasted flavor from the garlic and cherry tomatoes. The texture combines tender pasta with a vibrant, flavorful sauce that is hearty yet fresh. It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main or enhanced with proteins or vegetables to suit your preference.
Following tips like not rinsing the pasta after draining and adjusting oil depending on sun-dried tomato type ensures the sauce clings well and the pesto reaches a creamy consistency. Roasting the pesto before adding the pasta boosts the taste.
Ingredients
PESTO ROSSO
- 150 g sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed
- 25 g pine nuts
- 40 g Grana Padano cheese grated
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 g (~15 leaves) basil fresh
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly grounded
- ½ teaspoon salt
PASTA
- 250 g fusilli pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 6 cherry tomato halved
- 1 red chili sliced (optional)
- 6-8 tablespoon pesto rosso
- 2-3 tablespoon pasta water
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper freshly grounded
- Grana Padano cheese for serving
- basil for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions till al dente. Don't forget to reserve one-fourth cup of pasta water.
- To a small blender, add in the Pesto Rosso ingredients. Blend till the pesto is almost creamy but still has some chunkiness.
- In a pan heat the olive oil. On medium heat, add the garlic and toast for a minute until no longer law and then throw in the cherry tomatoes and red chili.
- After 2-3 minutes add half of the pesto. You can adjust the pesto quantity according to how saucy you like your pasta. Roast the pesto for 1-2 minutes till it darkens slightly. This step will really boost its taste. Add some pasta water if the sauce looks dry.
- Drain the pasta and immediately add into the pan without rinsing it. Toss it with the pesto until well combined.
- Remove on a plate and grate some Grana Padano on top. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help the pesto stick well to the noodles.
- The amount of oil to add depends on whether sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed or dry; you may need extra oil if using dry ones to achieve creaminess.
- Roasting the pesto with garlic and cherry tomatoes before mixing with pasta enhances the flavor significantly.
- This recipe is vegetarian but can be customized by adding chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a fuller meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 522 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 522kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 532mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 1182mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 556IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 138mg | 14% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
