My Busy-Day Pasta Trick
I love a kitchen project. But some nights, you just need food fast. That’s when this sun dried tomato pesto pasta saves the day. It feels fancy but comes together in minutes. I still laugh at how easy it is.
You just cook your pasta. Any kind works! Toss in some spinach at the end. Then mix everything in the warm pot. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s my favorite one pot pasta dinner for a crazy weeknight.
Why This Simple Bowl Matters
This is more than just a quick vegan dinner. It’s a lesson in flavor. Sun dried tomato pesto is a powerhouse. It makes the whole dish taste rich and deep, without any dairy.
That’s why this matters. Good food doesn’t need complicated steps. A few strong, happy ingredients can do all the work. This healthy pasta recipe proves that. What’s your favorite “powerhouse” ingredient that makes cooking easier?
A Little Story About Spinach
My grandson used to pick spinach off his plate. Then I showed him the wilt trick. We add it to the pasta water for just the last 30 seconds. It goes bright green and sweet.
He tried it. He liked it! Now he does it himself. This is a great dairy free pasta because of that pesto. But you can also make it a gluten free pasta recipe. Just use your favorite gluten-free noodles.
Make It Your Own
The fun part is playing with it. Love spice? Add more pepper flakes. Need protein? Throw in some chickpeas. This dish is a friendly base for your ideas.
*Fun fact*: Adding a splash of starchy pasta water helps the pesto cling to every noodle. It’s a chef’s little secret! Do you prefer your pasta with a kick, or more on the mild side?
Your Future Self Will Thank You
This is a perfect meal prep pasta. Make a big batch on Sunday. It keeps well for lunches. The flavors get even friendlier after a day in the fridge.
That’s the second reason this matters. Cooking once and eating twice is a gift to your busy self. It makes eating well simple. What’s your go-to meal when you need to cook once for the whole week?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| pasta (any variety) | 1 lb | farfalle used in recipe |
| spinach | 2 cups | |
| cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | halved |
| sun dried tomato pesto | 1/4 cup | |
| sun dried tomatoes | 1/4 cup | chopped |
| pasta water | as needed | a splash to adjust consistency |
| lemon juice | 1 teaspoon | |
| fresh basil | to garnish | |
| grated parmesan or nutritional yeast | to garnish | |
| red pepper flakes | to garnish | optional |
Instructions
Step 1: Boil your pasta in a big pot of salted water. I use gluten free pasta recipe often for my grandson. Cook it just like the box says. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This is the start of your one pot pasta dinner.
Step 2: When the pasta has 30 seconds left, toss in the spinach. Watch it wilt right into the hot water. Drain everything together into a colander. (Save a mug of that starchy pasta water first!)
Step 3: Put the pasta and spinach back in the warm pot. Add the cherry tomatoes and your sun dried tomato pesto. Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes, too. This vegan pesto pasta comes together so fast.
Step 4: Give it all a good stir. Add a splash of the saved pasta water to make it saucy. A squeeze of lemon juice makes it taste fresh. Do you think the lemon is for flavor or color? Share below!
Step 5: Dish up your healthy pasta recipe into bowls. Top with fresh basil and dairy free pasta toppings like nutritional yeast. This quick vegan dinner is ready. I still laugh at how fast it disappears!
Creative Twists
Add roasted broccoli for a green veggie boost. Mix in a can of chickpeas for extra protein. Use the sun dried tomato pesto as a sandwich spread tomorrow. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This meal prep pasta is great with a simple side salad. For lunch, pack it cold with extra lemon juice. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick. This easy weeknight dinner is so flexible. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Pesto Pasta Perfect
Let’s talk about keeping your sun dried tomato pesto pasta tasty for later. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze it for a busy month ahead. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready.
Reheating is simple. Add a splash of water or broth to a pan. Warm the pasta over medium-low heat. This keeps it from drying out. Stir it gently until it’s hot all the way through. I once reheated it without liquid and it stuck to the pan!
This dish is a champion for meal prep pasta. Making a big batch on Sunday saves so much time. It means a healthy pasta recipe is ready on a hectic night. That matters because a good dinner should bring joy, not stress. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems
We all face little kitchen troubles. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your pesto pasta seems dry, don’t worry. Save a cup of your starchy pasta water when draining. Stir in a splash to make the sauce creamy again.
Second, if your dish tastes bland, brighten it up. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders. I remember when I first learned this trick. It made my whole kitchen smell like sunshine.
Third, for a more filling meal, add protein. A can of white beans or some chickpeas are perfect. This turns your quick vegan dinner into a complete meal. Getting these small things right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your easy weeknight dinner really sing. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What to add to sundried tomato pesto pasta? For extra flavor and texture, try adding ingredients like toasted pine nuts or walnuts. You can also mix in some sliced olives or artichoke hearts. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. This makes your sun dried tomato pesto pasta even more delicious and satisfying for any meal.
How to jazz up red pesto pasta? To enhance your red pesto pasta, consider adding fresh basil leaves or a handful of arugula. You can also stir in some roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini. A dash of balsamic glaze can add a sweet and tangy twist. These simple additions bring new life to your classic pesto dish.
How to fancy up pesto pasta? For a fancier touch, garnish your pesto pasta with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and some shaved Parmesan cheese. You can also include sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. These elements elevate your pasta, making it perfect for a special occasion or a nice dinner at home.
What are some common pesto mistakes to avoid? Avoid overheating the pesto, as it can lose its fresh flavor and vibrant color. Don’t skip toasting nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for added depth. Also, remember to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. These tips help you achieve the best results with your pesto dishes.
What to add to sundried tomato pesto? To enhance sundried tomato pesto, mix in ingredients like capers for a briny flavor or fresh garlic for extra zest. You can also add a handful of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. These additions complement the rich, tangy taste of the sundried tomatoes beautifully.
What can I add to pesto pasta to make it better? To improve your pesto pasta, add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a vegan option. Incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast and a crack of black pepper. This creates a more balanced and flavorful one pot pasta dinner. Which tip will you try first?
A Note from My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this easy weeknight dinner as much as I do. It’s a true favorite in my home. This dairy free pasta and gluten free pasta recipe option means everyone can enjoy it.
*Fun fact: The first known pesto recipe was written in the mid-1800s in Genoa, Italy.* I just love how food connects us through time. Now I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about your kitchen adventures. Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Speedy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Description
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- With 30 seconds left in the cooking process, add the spinach and allow it to wilt.
- Drain the pasta (and spinach) and transfer it back into the pot.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, pesto and sun dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and add a splash of pasta water as needed. Stir in lemon juice, taste and add salt or pepper as desired.
- Divide evenly between four bowls. Garnish with fresh basil, grated parmesan and pepper flakes if desired!