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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy sun-dried tomato pesto pasta with spinach and Parmesan, perfect for cozy dinners and weeknight meals. The rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta with layers of tangy, savory flavor and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, 1/3 cup Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth but still textured. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add the prepared pesto and stir for 1-2 minutes to warm and release aroma.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Toss in fresh baby spinach. Stir until leaves just wilt but remain vibrant green, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss well to coat every strand. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick to achieve silky consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
  8. Serve immediately on warmed plates or bowls.

Notes

Toast nuts before blending for deeper flavor. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer pesto or soak dry ones in warm water for 20 minutes. Avoid overcooking spinach to keep vibrant color and nutrients. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness. Add cream gently to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pesto, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, fettuccine, linguine, Parmesan pasta

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-idea/