Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente pasta tossed with a vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh basil for a bright, herbaceous meal. This italian-inspired french (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 10 oz pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth, then add 1 tbsp olive oil to thin.
  3. Step 3: Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return pasta to pot, add pesto sauce, and toss over low heat for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and pine nuts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta?

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 Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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