We all need a pasta recipe in our repertoire that is simple and quick yet tastes like a million dollars. Sun dried tomato pesto is packed with flavor and makes a great base for a pasta sauce, and creamy mozzarella is a perfect balance for the richness of the pesto. Whether you make my sun dried tomato pesto pasta with mozzarella for week night or date night this easy recipe you’re sure to love.
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How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Mozzarella
While you can definitely use jarred sun dried tomato pesto I find making homemade sun dried tomato pesto quite easy and you’ll have more than enough to use for other meals. To make it at home you’ll first need sun dried tomatoes packed in oil. In a food processor add the sun dried tomatoes along with parmesan, pine nuts, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Turn your food processor on and stream in the olive oil while the machine is running and blend until the pesto has emulsified and come together. It’s really that easy! Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh until you use it.
To make the pasta choose a tube shaped pasta like penne or a curved pasta like campanelle to catch all the delicious pesto. Cook the pasta per package directions taking care to reserve one cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and then return it to the pot. Add in one cup of the sun dried tomato pesto and 1/2-1 cup of the reserved pasta water (enough to thin the sauce out and make it silky) and stir to combine. Add in the chopped mozzarella pearls (also known as ciliegine) and serve.
If you like this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms
Lemon Garlic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Butternut Squash and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto with Shrimp and Asparagus
If you make this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella
Ingredients
For Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
- 1 8.5 oz jar sun dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
For the Pasta
- 8 oz dried pasta penne or campanelle
- 1 cup sun dried tomato pesto homemade or jarred
- 1/2-1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 7oz package of mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) chopped
Instructions
For the sun dried tomato pesto
- Place sun dried tomatoes, basil, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor.
- While the food processor is running stream in the olive oil until everything is blended and emulsified.
For the pasta
- Cook pasta per package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain pasta.
- Return pasta to the pot and stir in sun dried tomato pesto, add in 1/2-1 cup reserved pasta water stirring to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped mozzarella pearls and serve.
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Estelle Forrest says
You had me at pesto and then you kept going with mozzarella! This one is getting made very soon.
Kayla DiMaggio says
Pesto pasta is one of our favorite quick and easy meals! I loved switching it up with this sun dried tomato pesto! This was delicious!
Emily Flint says
I just love sun-dried tomatoes but never thought to make a sauce out of them…genius! This is my new go=to pasta dish!
Addie says
This pasta is so warm and cozy! Love the flavors!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
I love the ease and simplicity of a good pasta recipe. Satisfying without being too heavy in preparation.
Lara Brooks says
I just love this recipe! Simple flavorful ingredients and fast! So good – especially in a busy weeknight.
Sarah says
Can’t go wrong with a quick and easy pasta recipe. Love that you have made your own pesto for this. Would make a great mid week lunch or dinner, yum!
shelby says
I absolutely LOVE sun dried tomato so this recipe was one I had to try. It was so delicious and so easy to make and will be making this over and over again!
Linda says
This pesto with mozzarella make a perfect duet! Love the flavor combination and how easy it is to make
Eva says
I am a huge fan of all things sundried tomatoes, so this is right up my alley. Love the idea of adding ciliegine mozzarella!
LaKita says
This sun dried tomato pesto pasta looks and sounds so delicious and amazing! Cannot wait to give it a try soon.
Mikayla says
Fantastic flavor, my favorites are all here, pasta with tomato pesto and fresh mozzarella and parmesan. Made extra for lunch the next day.
Marisa Franca says
We had a big jar of sun dried tomatoes that we’d bought at Costco. I really hadn’t known what to do with it. I made this recipe and it was absolutely delicious. Luckily we have more pesto leftover and I’m dreaming up other ways I can use it. I loved the addition of the mozzarella cheese to the pasta. I thought i’d have some left over. The pan was clean.
Katie Crenshaw says
This is my new dinner addiction. The pasta turns out amazing with this sun dried tomato pesto. I paired with a salad and a glass of wine. It was better than eating out.
Natalie says
This is such an excellent lunch idea. Looks delicious and perfectly flavored. I have all the ingredients at home. I’m making this pasta tomorrow. Thanks!
Heidy McCallum says
This Sun dried tomato pesto was really delicious tasting and the entire family gave your recipe rave reviews! I will definitely be printing out this recipe to save! Have a great day!
Jamie says
I love how this takes just 15 minutes to make and how flavorful it is! We love sun dried tomatoes and this is such a good use of it!