Sun-Dried Tomato and Pine Nut Pesto with Whole Wheat Pasta

This bright and flavorful pesto is the perfect way to dress up whole wheat pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor, while the pine nuts provide a nutty crunch. The fresh basil and parsley add a bright herbaceousness, and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness. This pesto is easy to make and can be used on any type of pasta. It's also a great way to use up leftover sun-dried tomatoes.

This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian pesto sauce. Pesto is a sauce made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It is traditionally used to dress pasta, but can also be used on grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a dip. This recipe takes the classic pesto sauce and adds sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes also add a bit of texture to the sauce. This pesto is a great way to add flavor to any dish.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta is cooking, combine sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, basil, parsley, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a blender or food processor.
3. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
4. Drain pasta and add pesto sauce.
5. Stir to coat.
6. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor to the pesto.
• The pine nuts provide a nutty crunch.
• The fresh basil and parsley add a bright herbaceousness.
• The Parmesan cheese adds a salty richness.
• This pesto is easy to make and can be used on any type of pasta.