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Ricette di Sicilia

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Pasta with Courgette Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Refreshingly Sicilian Starter

Pasta with Courgette Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Refreshingly Sicilian Starter

Master the art of making pasta tossed in a vibrant courgette pesto with sun-dried tomatoes—an easy, speedy dish bursting with those classic Mediterranean flavours.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 10 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 10 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Summer
4.5/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 320g short pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 medium courgette
  • 10 fresh basil leaves
  • 40g pine nuts
  • 40g grated Sicilian Pecorino DOP cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
420 kcal
Carbohydrates
45 g
Protein
14 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
3 g

Fancy serving up a light, fragrant pasta dish that captures the heart and soul of Sicily? This pasta with courgette pesto and sun-dried tomatoes is just the ticket! In no time at all you’ll have a silky, flavour-packed plate where the gentle sweetness of courgettes meets the intense, savoury hit of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh aroma of basil. Perfect for summer days or whenever you’re in the mood for something light yet full of character.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta until just al dente.

  2. 2

    Dice the courgette and pop it into a jug with the basil leaves and a pinch of salt.

  3. 3

    Blend while slowly drizzling in extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a smooth, creamy pesto.

  4. 4

    Add the pine nuts and pecorino cheese, then blitz again to combine evenly.

  5. 5

    Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and give a quick pulse to gently fold them in.

  6. 6

    Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and toss it through the prepared pesto.

  7. 7

    Give it a good stir and if needed, add a tablespoon of the pasta water to loosen the sauce.

  8. 8

    Serve warm, garnished with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of pecorino.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a more distinctly Sicilian twist, swap pine nuts for almonds. If you’d rather a milder flavour, try using grated provola from the Madonie hills instead of pecorino.

📦 Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • It’s also delicious served cold, making a lovely light summer meal.
  • Avoid reheating for too long to preserve the fresh taste of the pesto.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy this pasta alongside a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo – a fragrant and crisp white wine that perfectly lifts the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the cheese.

Why not bring a touch of sunny Sicily to your home kitchen with this easy, flavour-packed pasta? It’s the kind of dish that’s quick to make but big on taste — ideal for sharing with friends and family on a relaxed evening. Give it a whirl, savour those vibrant Mediterranean flavours, and watch it become a new staple in your weeknight repertoire!

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