If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant and utterly delicious pasta dish, look no further than the Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together the rich, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy nuttiness of toasted pine nuts and the zing of fresh lemon juice, all tossed in a luscious blend that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your pasta night with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, offering a depth that feels both homey and gourmet at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in delivering the unique balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Choose a quality brand for ideal texture and bite.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained): These pumpkins of flavor bring a sweet and intense tomato punch.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Adds body and concentrated tomato richness to the sauce.
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts: Offer a buttery crunch that deepens the pesto’s profile.
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic infuses a subtle sharpness that brightens the sauce.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a creamy, salty tang that binds the pesto together.
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice: A splash of citrus lifts and balances the rich flavors.
- ¼ cup olive oil: The silky base that melds every ingredient into a harmonious sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of bite.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone craving a subtle kick of heat.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness and pretty pop of green.
How to Make Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this will season your pasta from the inside out. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente, which means it should be tender yet still have a pleasant bite. This texture is key because it allows the pesto to cling beautifully without turning mushy.
Step 2: Blend Your Vibrant Pesto Rosso
While your pasta is boiling, assemble your pesto ingredients in a food processor or blender. Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of spice. Blend until smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides so everything mingles perfectly. The result should be a thick, spreadable sauce with a vibrant reddish hue that promises big flavor.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Before draining your pasta, reserve half a cup of the cooking water—that starchy liquid is magic when it comes to loosening sauces. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the warm pot, then spoon in your pesto rosso. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything vigorously to coat each noodle in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water if needed, aiming for a silky finish that dances on the palate.
How to Serve Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley sets off the rich flavors with an herbaceous note while adding a touch of green vibrancy. For an extra indulgence, grate a little more Parmesan on top just before serving—it melts slightly from the warmth and adds a savory finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This pesto rosso pasta pairs beautifully with something light and fresh, such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a simple bruschetta on the side also complement the bold flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, twirl portions onto large plates and garnish with edible flowers or finely sliced chili for a colorful presentation that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as enjoyable when reheated gently.
Freezing
While pasta with sauce can be frozen, the texture of Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe is best preserved fresh. However, you can freeze the pesto rosso separately in ice cube trays and thaw it as needed—this makes dinner prep even quicker on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as slow reheating keeps the texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or cashews make excellent substitutes and each brings its own lovely nuttiness to the pesto rosso. Just toast them lightly for the best flavor and texture.
Is this dish vegan?
By swapping regular Parmesan for a plant-based alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, you can easily make the Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe completely vegan without losing any of the deliciousness.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
For the best results, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil as they are more tender and flavorful. Drain them before blending to avoid making the sauce too oily.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The pesto rosso sauce will coat gluten-free noodles just as beautifully.
How spicy is this pasta?
The recipe includes an optional amount of red pepper flakes, so you can control the level of heat to suit your taste—from mild and comforting to gently spicy.
Final Thoughts
This Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its bright colors, rich layers of flavor, and luxurious texture, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become a beloved favorite that keeps pasta lovers coming back for seconds again and again.
Print
Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Pesto Rosso Spaghetti Pasta Recipe combines the rich, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the fresh vibrancy of basil and creamy Parmesan cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a silky homemade red pesto, this Italian classic is quick, satisfying, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal or elegant dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
For the Pesto Rosso
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the pesto rosso: While the pasta cooks, combine sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Toss the pasta with pesto: Drain the cooked spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the prepared pesto rosso and a splash of reserved pasta water to the pot. Toss vigorously to coat the spaghetti evenly with a silky sauce. Add more pasta water as necessary to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pesto-coated pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute toasted almonds or cashews in place of pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan version, use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast instead of traditional Parmesan cheese.
- This pesto rosso also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches or a flavorful dip for vegetables and crackers.
