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Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

By Carey

Top-down view of sun-dried tomato pesto pasta in red, blue, and white star-shaped bowls with an American Pride pasta bag on a white background

July 4th is just around the corner and it’s time to get your bbq-poolside-lakeside-firework-picnic plans together! Whatever you do, the colors red, white, and blue must be involved. All things Patriotic. Although I did finally have to retire my cute flag bikini. (hahaha, right! I hope my sister read that)

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta served in star-shaped red, white, and blue bowls with parsley garnish and a patriotic pasta package in the background

It’s easy around our house because my husband John’s birthday is actually ON July 4th. A July 4th baby! We can’t get away from a blowout big celebration. We’ve accumulated more American themed “stuff” over the years to help accessorize for this great holiday…platters, plates, candles, streamers, flags, etc. But when I walked into Pier One a few weeks ago, I couldn’t resist just one more! How cute are these star bowls?!

Star-shaped bowls of sun-dried tomato pesto pasta with a package labeled American Pride Pasta in the background

Of course being in the noodle business I’m thrilled that “pasta salad” is usually one of the traditional July 4th side dishes. So if you need to take something to your get together, let me recommend a few great ones – BLT Pasta Salad, Creamy Oriental Pasta Salad, opens in a new tab, and Arugula, Spinach, and Mozzarella Pasta Salad, opens in a new tab. But this year I really wanted to coordinate with the red, white, and blue theme, even down to the food itself.

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta served in a star-shaped red bowl garnished with fresh basil on a white table

So I’m throwing another homemade pesto recipe your way, Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. Perfectly red and patriotic. Have you ever strayed from the more common basil pestos? If not, you will be happy that you did. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto’s main ingredient is sun dried tomatoes. I purchased the Trader Joe’s brand packed in oil and really loved the taste. Even if you are not the biggest fan and think sun dried tomatoes can taste pretty strong, I promise that combined with the fresh Parmesan and toasted pine nuts, the overall flavor is tomato-y (?) in the best sense of the word. (if that is a word?!)

Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta in red star-shaped bowl with basil on blue-striped napkin

I really love the simplicity of this pesto. This pesto pasta can really complement any July 4th dishes. I imagine grilled chicken or ribs, corn on the cob, green salads, etc. The Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta will just fit right in and be a crowd favorite. And if you happen to have some American Pride Pasta around, the stars and flags just take this dish over the top!

Forkful of star-shaped pasta tossed in sun-dried tomato pesto over a star-shaped blue bowl with a red bowl blurred behind

So here’s to our great country! I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July and please do bring some sort of pasta dish to the celebration! 🙂

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Carey
A perfect pesto pasta to complement grilled meats and a green salad! Sun dried tomato pesto is flavorful and simple to make!

Ingredients

  • 14-16 oz. bag of American Pride Pasta (or any other short shape)
  • 1 cup oil packed sun dried tomatoes, drained (I bought the Trader Joe's brand!)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (fresh is preferred, but if not available you can substitute 1 T. dried basil)
  • 2 T. pine nuts, toasted
  • 3 cloves garlic, halved
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Place garlic pieces in food processor and pulse until completely minced. Note most garlic will then be stuck on sides of bowl.
  2. Add sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, and pine nuts to food processor.
  3. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until pesto is smooth.
  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, but reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  5. Combine pesto and reserved water in same pot. Add pasta and toss over low heat until pasta is coated. Add additional pesto as desired.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve warm!