Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

5 from 6 votes

This creamy 7-ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is ready in just 15 minutes. It's so tasty, you won't believe it's healthy! Nut-free and packed with antioxidants.

Prep Time4

Cook Time11

Total Time15

Course: Main

Cuisine: Vegan

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 476kcal

Author: Nisha Melvani

Ingredients

16 ounces dry pasta
½ cup sunflower seeds or walnuts, or cashews
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes jarred, preserved in oil
1 medium lemon juice
1 cup warm water
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
3 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package until al dente. Save 2 cups of the pasta cooking water when draining. Set aside.
Soak the seeds or nuts: Place the sunflower seeds in a heat-proof container with boiled water for 10 minutes. Drain.
Make the sauce: Transfer the drained sunflower seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, 1 cup pasta-cooking water (or warm water), crushed red pepper, garlic, and fresh basil to the canister of a high-speed blender.
Blend on high until smooth. Add maple syrup, salt, and pepper to taste. Optional: Add oil from the sun-dried tomatoes until the desired taste and consistency.
Serve: Transfer the pasta and sauce to a large bowl and mix to combine. Serve immediately.
Optional: Heat the Sauce: Transfer the sauce to a large skillet. Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until warmed through, stirring frequently. Add the desired amount of pasta and stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes more, or until warmed through, adding more of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency. Season with more salt and black pepper.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons oil when blending the sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
For gluten-free, use lentil, bean, or gluten-free pasta.
For more protein and texture, add crispy roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition