5 from 219 votes
Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta (Red Pesto Pasta)
Red Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta blends roasted red bell peppers, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, silken tofu, sunflower seeds, and garlic for a creamy, flavorful pesto. Tossed with pasta, this sauce provides a smooth, slightly nutty texture and vibrant red color. It works well warm or cold, with optional additions like nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, and olive oil to tailor taste and consistency. The dish makes a versatile meal with bright, fresh herb flavors and a creamy, plant-based base.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
4
to 6
Calories:
642 kcal
Course:
Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup red bell pepper from a jar of whole roasted red peppers, roasted
- 1 cup basil plus more for garnish, fresh leaves
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes drained
- 1 silken tofu 12.3-ounces box
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- 2 garlic cloves
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast optional
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- parsley chopped
- 1 pound pasta optional, of choice
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor (except the pasta) and process until smooth. When the desired consistency is reached, set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and quickly bring the hot pasta back to the pot.
- Immediately add the red pesto and mix well.
- Serve immediately to enjoy hot.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toast sunflower seeds lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Allow the pesto to rest at least an hour before serving to deepen flavors.
- For cold pasta salads, cook pasta until tender as refrigeration can firm it up.
- Adjust the pesto texture in the processor for smooth or slightly chunky consistency depending on preference.
Nutrition Information
Calories
642kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
101g
(34%)
Protein
26g
(52%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
5g
(29%)
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Sodium
521mg
(22%)
Potassium
1128mg
(24%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
781IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
25mg
(28%)
Calcium
102mg
(10%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 to 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 642
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 642kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 101g | 34% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 521mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 1128mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 781IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 10% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.