Print

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

creamy sun-dried tomato pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy weeknight pasta dish featuring a rich sun-dried tomato pesto, fresh spinach, and creamy burrata cheese for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle recommended)
  • 1 cup (150 g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
  • 4 cups (120 g) fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh burrata cheese, torn into pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water, then drain the rest.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  3. In a food processor, combine drained sun-dried tomatoes, toasted nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth but slightly textured. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the chopped spinach. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Season lightly with salt.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach. Spoon in the sun-dried tomato pesto and toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and create a creamy coating, about 2 minutes.
  6. Serve pasta warm, topped with torn burrata pieces. The heat will soften the burrata, making it creamy.
  7. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves or a grind of black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and smooth blending. Toast nuts gently to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to loosen pesto sauce without watering it down. Tear burrata by hand to keep creamy center intact. Add pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pesto, creamy pasta, burrata, spinach, easy weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/