Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the rich, creamy goodness of pesto and the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes. This Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the ultimate comfort food, infused with layers of flavor that will transport your senses to a world of refined sophistication. Get ready to savor every bite of this gourmet pasta dish that effortlessly combines elegance and indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired. The silky, luscious pesto coats the tender penne pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful tangy contrast that elevates the overall dish. Prepare to be enveloped in a culinary embrace that is both comforting and refined, making this the ultimate indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
To create this masterful Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, you’ll need a carefully curated selection of high-quality ingredients. Penne pasta, fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes come together to form a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- 1 lb (454g) – Penne pasta
- 2 cups (40g) – Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup (70g) – Pine nuts
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100g) – Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup (240ml) – Heavy cream
- 1 cup (150g) – Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta Shape: You can substitute the penne pasta with your favorite shape, such as fusilli or farfalle, for a unique twist.
- Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pine nuts if desired.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will delight your senses and leave you craving more. Follow these steps to create this heavenly Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Step 1 — Prepare the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the flavorful pesto.
Step 2 — Make the Creamy Pesto
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until a smooth pesto forms. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, blending until the mixture is creamy and well-incorporated, creating a luxurious, silky sauce.
Step 3 — Assemble the Dish
In a large skillet, heat the pesto sauce over medium heat. Add the cooked penne pasta and the sun-dried tomatoes, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the flavors have melded, resulting in a harmonious balance of creaminess and tanginess.
Step 4 — Finish and Serve
Serve the Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes warm, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a beautiful, elegant presentation. Indulge in the layers of flavor that come together in this exceptional dish, and let it transport you to a realm of culinary bliss.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Roasted Garlic: To add even more depth of flavor, consider roasting the garlic before incorporating it into the pesto.
- Lighter Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Protein Addition: To make this dish a complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
- Unique Pasta Shapes: Experiment with different types of pasta, such as fusilli or farfalle, to create a unique twist on this classic dish.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad, warm crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite white wine for a truly indulgent dining experience.
Storage: This Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When ready to serve, gently reheat the pasta on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the creamy texture if needed.
Make-Ahead: The pesto can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making this dish an excellent option for meal prepping or hosting a dinner party.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delightful indulgence that nourishes both the body and the soul. Each serving provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and wholesome option. The pesto, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes contribute to the overall nutritional profile, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 21 g
- Carbs: 56 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While the homemade pesto adds a delightful depth of flavor, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought pesto to save time. Simply adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Can I make the pesto in advance?
Yes, you can make the pesto a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the dish. This can be a great time-saving strategy, especially if you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Absolutely! If you prefer a brighter, more juicy tomato flavor, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes in place of the sun-dried variety. Simply dice the tomatoes and sauté them briefly with the pesto before adding the cooked pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating. For the best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different type of nut in the pesto?
Absolutely! The pine nuts provide a delicate, buttery flavor, but you can experiment with other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios, to create a unique twist on the pesto. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the nut you choose.
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Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delightful pasta dish, featuring a vibrant pesto sauce and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a refined gathering.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, combine the heavy cream and pesto sauce over medium heat.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Noodles & Gnocchi
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg