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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto pasta featuring sun dried tomatoes that add a perfect burst of sweet tang, creating a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add chopped sun dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to warm through and release flavor.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup pesto sauce followed by 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir gently until sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to allow pasta to absorb some sauce.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring just enough to melt.
  7. Plate the pasta and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce cling better. Keep pasta water reserved to adjust sauce consistency. Sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Add cream on low heat to prevent curdling. Fresh basil added at the end brightens the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, sun dried tomatoes, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, basil pesto, creamy sauce

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