Table of Contents

Toggle

Pasta con Pesto Rosso

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Pot, blender or food processor, wooden spoon, serving dish

Ingredients

  

• For the Pesto Rosso
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts for a budget-friendly option
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative
• 2 –3 cloves garlic adjust based on your taste
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness
• For the Pasta
• 400 g pasta spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice
• Salt for boiling pasta water
• Grated cheese for serving, optional

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
• Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Prepare the Pesto Rosso
• While the pasta cooks, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor.
• Pulse until the mixture is roughly blended.
• With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. You may adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine Pasta and Pesto
• In the same pot you used for the pasta, combine the drained pasta and pesto.
• Mix well, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Serve
• Transfer the pasta to a serving dish, topping with extra grated cheese if desired.
• Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture.

Let me go into the delicious world of Italian cuisine with Pasta con Pesto Rosso, a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds. From my own personal experience, this pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a base for various toppings. Let me show you how I make this delightful recipe.

What to Expect

Pasta con Pesto Rosso is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and colors that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich sweetness, while the basil adds a fresh herbaceous note. It’s a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15 (depending on ingredient quality)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Pot, blender or food processor, wooden spoon, serving dish. Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Pesto Rosso  here

Ingredients

For the Pesto Rosso

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative)
• 2–3 cloves garlic (adjust based on your taste)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (for brightness)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Pesto Rosso  here

For the Pasta

• 400g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice)
• Salt (for boiling pasta water)
• Grated cheese (for serving, optional)

Method

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
3. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the Pesto Rosso

1. While the pasta cooks, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor.
2. Pulse until the mixture is roughly blended.
3. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. You may adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine Pasta and Pesto

1. In the same pot you used for the pasta, combine the drained pasta and pesto.
2. Mix well, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

4. Serve

1. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish, topping with extra grated cheese if desired.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of pine nuts for added texture.

Variations

• Veggie Delight: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a dietary-friendly option.

Tips and Substitutions

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
• Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Pesto Rosso  here

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Thick Pesto: If the pesto is too thick, add a bit more olive oil or reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
• Bland Flavor: If the dish tastes flat, a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt can brighten up the flavors.
• Sticking Pasta: Ensure you toss the pasta with the pesto immediately after draining to prevent it from sticking together.

In conclusion, this recipe is all about enjoying the journey of cooking and sharing delicious meals with others. You can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful taste of Italy right in your home.