Nonnos Sunkissed Sicilian Pesto Pasta
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever fancied a trip to Sicily without leaving your kitchen? This Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno 's secret twist will transport you.
The star? A vibrant sun-dried tomato and almond pesto. Honestly, it's bellissimo .
Brief Overview
This Sicilian pasta recipe comes straight from the heart of Italian cooking. The beauty of Nonno's pasta recipe is it's born from Italian Cooking Tradition.
This is an easy Italian pasta dishes that even your Nonna would approve of. Ready in just 30 minutes, it serves 4 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
It's packed with healthy fats and Mediterranean flavour. The sun-dried tomato pesto pasta is delicious and nutritious. It's perfect for a quick weeknight pasta dinner or a casual get-together.
This pasta isn't your average green pesto. It is a burst of Mediterranean sunshine and will transform your how to make Italian pasta skills.
Ready to get started with Nonno's almond pesto recipe ?
What You'll Need to Whip up This Delight
For the Sun-Kissed Pesto
Get ready to create some magic. Grab your sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, and Pecorino Romano pasta . Don't forget the extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that Sicilian kick.
The Pasta Powerhouse
You will need one pound of your favorite pasta (I love bucatini for this). A bit of salt for the water, and fresh basil for garnish (if you're feeling fancy).
And if you wanna experiment with a delicious Mediterranean pasta recipe , you can find pasta in any shape or form.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Sicilian Pesto Pasta Adventure Starts Here
Alright, let’s talk grub! To nail this Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno recipe, you'll need a few key bits and bobs.
Don’t worry, it's not rocket science! This is based on traditional Italian cooking , and we want to keep it as easy as possible.
I remember Nonno saying, "The best food comes from the simplest ingredients." He was right!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Dish
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (70g / 120ml ). Go for the oil-packed ones! Quality matters here. They should be plump and smell intensely of sun-dried tomatoes .
- Blanched Almonds: 1/4 cup (30g / 60ml ). These add a lovely crunch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, roughly chopped. Fresh is best, you know?
- Pecorino Romano: 1/4 cup (25g / 60ml ), grated. Get the real stuff if you can. The flavour is totally worth it!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml / 60ml ). Again, go for a good quality one. It makes a difference.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml / 15ml ). This adds richness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml / 1.25ml ). For a little kick!
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g / 454g ). Bucatini, spaghetti, or penne work great for this Mediterranean pasta recipe .
- Salt: For the pasta water. A must!
- Fresh Basil (Optional): For garnish. Makes it look fancy, doesn't it?
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters
The essential spice combination here is really simple: garlic, red pepper flakes, and good quality salt and pepper. But the real flavour comes from the sun-dried tomatoes and Pecorino Romano .
If you don’t have Pecorino, Parmesan will do in a pinch as a quick substitution .
Honestly, the almond pesto recipe is so simple, but it packs a punch! It's way better than shop bought stuff. I used to make this with Nonno all the time!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Food Processor: This is key for making the pesto.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
That’s it! You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this easy Italian pasta dish . If you don’t have a food processor, you could finely chop everything by hand, but honestly, it's a pain.
A blender might work, but be careful not to over process it. The key to great Nonno's pasta recipe, after all, is great equipment and great ingredients!.
Nonno's Sun-Kissed Sicilian Pesto Pasta: A Taste of the Mediterranean
Fancy a trip to Sicily without leaving your kitchen? This Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno is your ticket! Forget that same old basil pesto.
We're diving into Italian Cooking Traditional with a sun-dried tomato and almond pesto that's both sweet and savoury. Add a sharp kick of Pecorino Romano and bam! A Quick weeknight pasta that's proper lush.
This vibrant dish transports you straight to the heart of Sicily. The addition of Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, sharp kick, making it a perfect weeknight meal that's ready in a flash.
Imagine a warm summer evening on the Amalfi coast, that's the flavour we're aiming for!
Prep Steps to Unleash Your Inner Italian Chef
Essential Mise en Place: Get everything ready. Drain those sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup). Roughly chop the garlic (2 cloves). Measure out the almonds (1/4 cup) and Pecorino Romano (1/4 cup).
Time Saving Organization Tips: Honestly, the food processor does most of the work. Have all your ingredients lined up and ready to go. It's a breeze! Plus, it makes cleaning up quicker.
step-by-step to a Mediterranean pasta recipe
Cook the Pasta: Boil a big pot of salted water. Chuck in the pasta (1 pound) and cook until al dente .
Save about 1 cup of that pasta water it's liquid gold!
Blitz the Pesto: While the pasta cooks, bung the sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, garlic, Pecorino Romano, tomato paste (1 tablespoon), and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) into the food processor.
Emulsify, Emulsify!: Pulse it all until coarsely chopped. Drizzle in the olive oil (1/4 cup) slowly until it comes together. Season with salt and pepper.
Pasta Meets Pesto: Toss the drained pasta in a large bowl with the pesto. Add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it's nicely coated.
Serve and Enjoy : Serve it up pronto, garnished with fresh basil if you're feeling fancy. More Pecorino Romano on the side? Always a good shout!
How To Make Italian Pasta Pro Tips
- Quality is Key: Decent sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Pecorino make all the difference. Seriously, it's worth it.
- Don't Drown It: Go easy on the pasta water. You want a coating , not a soup.
- Avoid Overcooking: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when tossed with the pesto.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty, so you may not need much extra salt.
- Warming the Bowl: Warm the bowl you are adding the pasta into to serve as the sauce binds better with the heat.
- Add the cheese at the end: The pecorino is quite salty so it balances better if you add it at the very end.
And there you have it! Nonno's pasta recipe is a delightful addition to your weeknight repertoire. It's proper easy and so full of flavor! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno
Okay, let's talk about making this Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno absolutely amazing . You know, the kind of Nonno's pasta recipe that makes everyone at the table go quiet? This ain't just some basic Italian cooking traditional stuff.
It's about bringing a little bit of Sicily to your kitchen.
Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've made this gorgeous Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta . Now, make it look amazing! Twirl that Sicilian pasta recipe onto plates.
A sprinkle of fresh basil is always good. Maybe a cheeky extra grating of Pecorino Romano pasta to top it off? Presentation is key.
Think rustic charm.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store that Mediterranean pasta recipe gold in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for like, three days .
Freezing? It's not ideal, honestly. The pesto can get a bit watery. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water, if it's looking dry.
This is also one of the easy Italian pasta dishes .
Adapt Away!
Want to mix things up a bit? Let's do it! For a vegan version, swap out the Pecorino for nutritional yeast.
Honestly, it's pretty darn good. Or, if you're feeling fancy, try using different nuts in the Almond pesto recipe . Walnuts would be a fun swap.
Remember, it is a quick weeknight pasta recipe to enjoy.
A Little Bit About the Good Stuff
So, why should you eat this Sun-dried tomato pesto pasta ? Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants! Almonds bring the healthy fats.
And let's be real, this is how to make Italian pasta delicious and relatively healthy! A serving is about 550 calories, 20g of protein, 25g of fat, and 65g of carbs.
Not bad, eh?
Honestly, this Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno is really about bringing a bit of joy into your kitchen. It is really a dish you can do! Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry style, prepped and ready to go?
While the pesto itself can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge (it might darken slightly, but that's just aesthetics!), the finished pasta dish is best served immediately. Pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, leading to a drier result.
If you must, keep the pasta and pesto separate until just before serving and add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
My Nonno's Sicilian Pesto Pasta never tastes quite the same. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the Nonno conundrum! Flavour variations are common. It could be the quality of your sun-dried tomatoes some are saltier or sweeter than others. Also, the type of Pecorino Romano makes a big difference; try to find a good quality, aged cheese.
Remember, taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking!
I'm allergic to nuts. Can I still make this Nonno's Sicilian Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely! Simply omit the almonds. The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Pecorino Romano provide plenty of flavour. You could also experiment with a sunflower seed base or toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of texture. It won't be quite the same, but still a delicious, allergy friendly twist!
How long does Nonno's Sicilian Pesto Pasta last in the fridge?
Leftover pesto pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, bear in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so it might be a bit drier when reheated. Add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to restore some moisture.
Is Sicilian Pesto Pasta with Nonno healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
While delicious, this dish is relatively high in calories and fat due to the olive oil, cheese, and nuts. To make it healthier, you could use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of olive oil, or add some vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Also, be mindful of portion sizes - a smaller serving will help keep the calorie count in check.
Can I freeze Sicilian pesto?
Yes, you can! Pesto freezes beautifully. Portion it into ice cube trays for easy single servings, or store it in a freezer safe container. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Add it to freshly cooked pasta and enjoy a taste of summer any time of year.
Nonnos Sunkissed Sicilian Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
