Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Penne
Indulge in this flavorful and vibrant dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto. Inspired by a classic Italian recipe from Giada De Laurentiis, this dish combines the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful meal that's not only easy to prepare but also stunningly delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends while satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
4
Servings
503
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
1 (8 1/2 ounce) jar (drained)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (packed)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto. In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes (drained and with oil), garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped.
3
Add the packed fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse until well incorporated with the tomato mixture.
4
Transfer the pesto to a large mixing bowl and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
5
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta in a colander.
6
Add the drained penne pasta to the bowl with the tomato pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some reserved cooking liquid until desired consistency is reached.
7
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy sun-dried tomato pesto penne!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
59g
Carbs
20.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Penne?
It is a flavorful pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto made with garlic, basil, and Parmesan.
Who inspired this recipe?
This dish is inspired by a classic Italian recipe from Giada De Laurentiis.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 503 calories per serving.
Is this pasta dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
How long does it take to cook the penne?
The penne should be cooked for approximately 8 minutes until al dente.
What ingredients are needed for the sun-dried tomato pesto?
The pesto is made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes should be drained from their oil before use.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much fresh basil should I use?
You will need 1 cup of packed fresh basil leaves.
What equipment is needed to make the pesto?
A food processor is used to blend the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, you should reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
If the pesto mixture is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved cooking liquid.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 18g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 59g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
This dish contains 2.5g of fiber per serving.
Is there any sodium information available?
The sodium content for this specific recipe data is not specified.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content for this recipe data is not specified.
What kind of garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 peeled garlic cloves.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you can adjust the taste with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
How should this dish be served?
It should be served immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
What size jar of sun-dried tomatoes is needed?
One 8.5-ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil is required.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is perfect for busy weeknights.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This is an Italian cuisine pasta dish.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, while easy enough for weeknights, it is also described as stunningly delicious and suitable for special occasions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients listed.
What type of black pepper should be used?
The recipe recommends using freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food dish.