Description
A quick and luscious Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta combining rich mascarpone cheese and zesty sun-dried tomato pesto for a comforting meal ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb dried pasta of any desired shape
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
Sauce
- 3 oz sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium skillet set over medium-low heat, combine the sun-dried tomato pesto, heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the mascarpone cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Lower the heat to keep warm.
- Thin Sauce: Gradually add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring well to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Start with 1/4 cup and add more if needed, keeping in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Turn off the heat and toss gently to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy sun-dried tomato pesto sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle to hold the creamy sauce better.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to help thin the sauce as needed without diluting flavor.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though texture may be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
