Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish where handmade pesto meets sun-dried tomatoes, capturing the essence of Genoa's coastal kitchens with bright, herbaceous flavors. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh basil
- 30 g pine nuts
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 120 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 50 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 200 g spaghetti
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 30 g pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 2: In a food processor, blend 100 g fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 50 g grated Parmesan until finely chopped.
- Step 3: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 120 ml extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 4: Add 50 g sun-dried tomatoes (drained) and pulse until evenly distributed, then taste and adjust salt.
- Step 5: Cook 200 g spaghetti in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 6: Toss pasta with pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until glossy and coating the strands.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Genovese Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
