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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

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A creamy and tangy sun-dried tomato pesto pasta that is quick, easy, and perfect for dinner. This comforting dish combines a luscious cream cheese sauce with toasted pine nuts for a satisfying texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse until a coarse paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water if mixture is too thick.
  4. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, whisk together softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Slowly add the sun-dried tomato pesto, stirring to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Plate the pasta and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Toast pine nuts over medium heat with constant stirring to avoid burning. Soften cream cheese to room temperature before blending to prevent lumps. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency. If sun-dried tomatoes in oil are unavailable, rehydrate dried ones in warm water for 20 minutes. Pine nuts can be substituted with toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds for allergies.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pesto, creamy pasta, easy dinner, pine nuts, penne pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

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