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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy pesto pasta featuring fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes blended with cottage cheese for a smooth, light sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) penne or your favorite pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340g) pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta type. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, and juice from half a lemon. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat every piece. Add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  6. Dish up on warm plates. For extra indulgence, add a little extra grated Parmesan on top. Enjoy!

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning and bring out their flavor. Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth sauce. Keep reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency. Serve immediately for best color and flavor. For make-ahead, keep pasta and sauce separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, homemade pesto, cottage cheese sauce

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-easy-homemade-recipe/