Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more? Dive into the vibrant world of Italian cuisine with our Pasta with White Beans Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes! This delightful dish combines the creamy goodness of white bean pesto with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and nutritious. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that serves four, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Ready to tantalize your palate? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup white bean pesto
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the white bean pesto. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of white beans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, the juice of half a lemon, and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a little water if necessary, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of pasta (your choice of type, such as spaghetti or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. If they are packed in oil, you can use them directly; if they are dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate, then chop.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce adhere.
- In the same pot used to cook the pasta, add the drained pasta back in along with the white bean pesto and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well combined and heated through.
- To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil on top for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasta with White Beans Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like penne or fusilli that can hold onto the pesto sauce better.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with the white bean pesto by adding nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for an extra crunch, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always taste your pasta a minute or two before the package instructions say it's done to ensure it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
- Use Reserved Pasta Water Wisely: Adding the reserved pasta water gradually allows you to control the creaminess of the sauce. Don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh basil and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. If using dried tomatoes, soaking them in warm water will enhance their flavor and texture.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving will elevate your dish even more!
- Make it a Meal: Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
