Sun-Dried Tomato & Pesto Penne: Quick & Delicious Italian Pasta
Craving a taste of Italy at home? With a few high quality ingredients, you can create a simple pasta that delivers rich Mediterranean flavor in under 30 minutes. Using authentic imports from Luxe Colombo, this recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a relaxed weekend meal.
This classic Italian style penne combines the freshness of pesto with the deep, slightly sweet intensity of sun dried tomatoes. Finished with Parmesan, it is balanced, aromatic, and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta 500g (Options: ARMANDO | Penne Rigata No 41 – De Cecco | Penne Rigate – Casa Rinaldi)
- Italian sun dried tomatoes
- Pesto (Options: Pesto Genovese – Barilla | Pesto alla Genovese – Pasta Zara | Pesto Rosso – Casa Rinaldi)
- Parmesan cheese grated 100g
- Garlic 2 cloves minced
- Extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- Black pepper
Method
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the sliced sun dried tomatoes and cook for two to three minutes to release their flavor.
Step 3
Add the drained pasta to the pan. Spoon in your chosen pesto and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky finish.
Step 4
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove from heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while warm. This dish pairs well with a light white wine or sparkling water for a balanced meal.
Tips for Best Results
For a richer, more tomato forward flavor, use Pesto Rosso instead of traditional basil pesto.
For a gluten free option, Casa Rinaldi offers gluten free penne that works well with this recipe.
Avoid overcooking the pasta as the texture is key to the final dish.
Why Choose Luxe Colombo
All pasta, pesto, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan available at Luxe Colombo are carefully sourced from Italy. This ensures authentic taste, consistent quality, and a true Italian cooking experience at home.
Explore the full range at Luxe Colombo and bring restaurant quality Italian cooking into your everyday meals.