Delicious Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Recipe
Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both vegan and gluten-free? Look no further! This Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is the perfect dish for home chefs and parents seeking a quick and nutritious dinner option. Bursting with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it's sure to become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutrient-rich sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to introduce more veggies into your family's diet.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 12 oz your choice of pasta (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic, and nuts.
- Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth pesto. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the sun-dried tomato pesto until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
To make this recipe even easier, we recommend using a high-quality food processor.
- Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor: This powerful appliance makes preparing pesto a breeze. Its 350-watt motor and versatile slicing discs ensure a smooth and consistent pesto every time.
Tips and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free pesto.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. It's also delicious served cold as a pasta salad for picnics or lunches.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The sun-dried tomato pesto can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
Why Choose the Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor?
For home chefs and parents, the right kitchen tools make all the difference. The Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor streamlines meal prep, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Efficiency: Quickly chops, slices, and purees ingredients.
- Versatility: Ideal for a variety of recipes beyond pesto.
- Easy Cleanup: Removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Explore More Kitchen Essentials
Enhance your cooking experience with other top-rated appliances.
The Blendtec Total Blender Classic is perfect for smoothies, soups, and more, offering power and convenience for busy kitchens.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is a delightful addition to your meal rotation. It's flavorful, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients that the whole family will enjoy. Happy cooking!
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