Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus
Description
Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus uses medium shell pasta cooked al dente to hold sauce well. Asparagus is roasted at high heat until tender but still crisp, preserving texture and concentrating flavor. The roasted asparagus is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Combining pesto made from basil, sun-dried tomatoes preserved in olive oil and julienned, and diced mozzarella cheese results in layered flavor: herbaceous, tangy, and creamy. A fried egg on top, if added, introduces a rich, silky yolk to mix with the pasta.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm pasta and fresh pesto components. The egg, when added, offers extra protein and richness, complementing the vegetables and cheese. This dish balances fresh and roasted vegetables with savory elements for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained, julienned, in olive oil
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese diced cubes
- egg for serving, fried
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Place asparagus in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste; gently toss to combine. Place into oven and roast for 8-12 minutes, or until tender but crisp. Let cool before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, asparagus, pesto, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Serve immediately with a fried egg, if desired.