Pasta alla Pesto Rosso

Pasta alla Pesto Rosso is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring pasta tossed in a rich red pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This unique twist on traditional pesto offers a delightful balance of taste and color, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) - 100 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 30 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams (for garnish)

Steps

1. 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.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the red pesto. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
5. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pesto. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, which can support heart health.
• Provides antioxidants from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, promoting overall wellness.

Tags