Red pesto pasta is a delicious alternative to traditional green pesto. We've found that red pesto adds an incredibly lovely, smoky, tangy flavor profile thanks to those star ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes. This easy red pesto recipe combines garlic, basil, parmesan, and olive oil into a bold, vibrant sauce that tastes delicious when tossed with pasta.
But more importantly, unlike green pesto, red pesto offers the opportunity to achieve a deeper and heartier flavor, perfect for cozy meals. Sun-dried tomato pasta has quickly come to be one of our favorite simple recipes because it's fast, and we love that or can't do it during busy weeknights. It's hearty, satisfying, fast, and great food when you want a hearty pasta dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for any pasta lover!
WHAT IS RED PESTO?
Red pesto is a savory, richly flavored Italian sauce made primarily from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, nuts (like pine nuts or almonds), and cheese (typically Parmesan or Pecorino). In contrast to traditional green pesto, which is made from fresh basil and bright, herbal notes, red pesto offers a depth of flavor that is slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Red pesto commonly has a hint of warmth from a pinch of chilli flakes or roasted red peppers.
Red pesto, or pesto rosso, has roots in Italian cooking traditions, but serves as a bold twist on the traditional Ligurian green pesto. They are most commonly used in Sicilian cooking, where tomatoes are a predominant ingredient. Red pesto offers a rich, creamy, and nutty texture along with concentrated tomato flavor, which offers opportunities for quick and flavorful meals, including red pesto pasta.
Red pesto is condensed, umami-rich, so a little can go a long way in transforming any meal, especially when you are longing for an easy red pesto recipe or quick and delicious sun-dried tomato pasta for a busy weeknight.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 large bell pepper
- 5 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 Kashmiri red chillies
- 18-20 soaked and peeled almonds
- 5 tbs olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 300g boiled spiral pasta
- ½ cup Olpers cream
HOW TO MAKE RED PESTO PASTA (STEP-BY-STEP)
- Grease the frying pan with cooking oil.
- Add red bell pepper, garlic & roast for 4-5 minutes.
- Let it cool & set aside.
- In a blender, add sun-dried tomatoes, Kashmiri red chillies, almonds, roasted capsicum & garlic, fresh basil leaves, pink salt, black pepper powder, parmesan cheese powder, olive oil ,blend well & set aside.
- In a pot, add cooking oil, onion & sauté for a minute.
- Add prepared red pesto paste, mix well & cook on medium flame for 1-2 minutes.
- Add water & mix well.
- Add boiled pasta & mix well.
- Add pasta water & mix well.
- Turn off the flame, add cream, turn on the flame & mix well.
- Add fresh basil leaves.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, sprinkle parmesan cheese powder & serve!
BEST PASTA TYPES FOR RED PESTO
When it comes to maximizing the flavor of red pesto, choosing the right pasta shape is key. The best pasta for red pesto is any pasta that is either rigid, twisted, or curvy and can catch the thick, sun-dried tomato-based red pesto sauce. You want to maximize the amount of red pesto flavor in each bite!
- Penne: The tube-like penne pasta is perfect for holding red pesto inside and out. The rigid nature of penne makes it the best choice for thick sauces.
- Fusilli: The spiraled fusilli pasta shape catches red pesto beautifully as the sauce hugs almost every turn of the shape.
- Rigatoni: The wide tubes and deep ridges of rigatoni are perfect for a heartier style of pesto.
- Farfalle (bow tie pasta): With its pinched middle and wide edges, farfalle is a fun and suitable pasta for holding thick pesto sauces.
- Orecchiette: Having the name meaning "little ears" in Italian, goes to show how this pasta has a little cup shape to hold pesto.
ADD-ONS & VARIATIONS
One of the best aspects of red pesto pasta is its sheer versatility, and how you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary preferences, all while being quick and easy. It offers something for everyone, whether you want to add protein, increase the number of vegetables, or make it plant-based.
PROTEIN OPTIONS
If you'd like to make your red pesto pasta heartier, consider any of the following protein options:
- Grilled chicken – for a meaty, hearty bite (red pesto pasta with chicken is a popular recipe!)
- Shrimp – brings a light and delectable touch to the dish with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Tofu – a great plant-based protein option, absorbs the pesto nicely.
VEGETABLE OPTIONS
For a nutritional and flavor upgrade, consider adding any of the following vegetables to the dish:
- Fresh spinach- a handful of spinach wilts nicely into warm pasta
- Roasted bell peppers- add sweetness and color to the dish
- Cherry tomatoes- a pop of freshness/acidity added to the warm pasta
VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE TIPS
To enjoy a vegan red pesto pasta, use dairy-free cheese in the pesto and leave off the meat. If you need to avoid gluten, gluten-free pasta like brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa pasta will work well - just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
With a few simple add-ons and variations, you can take a quick and easy red pesto recipe and convert it into a balanced, flavorful everyday meal for any occasion!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Red pesto pasta is about as flexible in how it can be presented as it is in how it can be prepared. A few thoughtful details can upgrade your dish just about no matter if it's for a cozy dinner at home or a casual dinner party with friends.
HOW TO PRESENT IT
Present the pasta warm as a comforting main dish, especially when paired with grilled chicken or shrimp. The warmth of the pasta elevates the richness of the sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese.
Present it cold with cherry tomatoes, olives, and arugula as a refreshing cold pasta salad—perfect for summer lunches or picnics.
IDEAS FOR SERVING/ PLATING
Plate red pesto pasta in a shallow bowl and top with shavings of grated Parmesan cheese or vegan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil to build height and add some flair. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the presentation.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sides: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, and a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette are good complementary sides for the meal.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Not only easy to make, red pesto pasta is also suitable for meal prep. Here's how to properly store and reheat your pasta so it still tastes delicious:
REFRIGERATING
- When stored in an airtight container, red pesto pasta is good for 4 days in the fridge.
- To prevent condensation from making the pasta soggy once sealed, ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
REHEATING WITHOUT LOSING MOISTURE
One simple tip when reheating spaghetti: Put a splash of either water, broth, or a little olive oil on the pasta before microwaving or reheating on the stove. This prevents it from drying out.
IF MICROWAVING
- Microwave on medium heat for 30 seconds at a time and stir it every 30 seconds.
- If reheating on the stove, put pasta in a pot on low and keep stirring gently.
FREEZING
You can freeze red pesto pasta. For best results:
- Freeze pasta and sauce separately.
- Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to reheat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight.
FAQS ABOUT RED PESTO PASTA
WHAT IS RED PESTO GOOD WITH?
Red pesto works well with pasta, grilled chicken, a sandwich, roasted veggies, or even as a pizza or bruschetta topping!
WHAT IS RED PESTO MADE OF?
Typically, red pesto will contain sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, and may also include nuts like pine nuts, almonds, or cashews.
WHAT CAN I MAKE WITH A JAR OF RED PESTO?
You can use red pesto in pasta, on toast, in sandwiches, stir it into salad dressing, or use it as a marinade for meats and veggies.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PESTO AND RED PESTO?
Traditional pesto uses basil and pine nuts, while red pesto substitutes sun-dried tomatoes for the basil and has a more robust and slightly tangy flavor.
CONCLUSION
Red pesto pasta is the ideal fusion of flavour, ease of preparation, and versatility. Whether you're making a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this simple red pesto recipe will satisfy every time. With its rich sun-dried tomato flavour, creamy consistency, and unlimited options for add-ons, it's almost guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner repertoire.
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