Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Walnut Pesto and Feta Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package of refrigerated fresh linguine
• 3/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons walnuts
• 2 tablespoons pre-shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

   • Follow the package instructions to cook the linguine. Ensure the water is well-salted to enhance the pasta's flavor, reducing the need for additional salt later.

2. Drain the Pasta

   • Drain the pasta using a colander over a bowl to reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Do not rinse the pasta; return it to the pan.

3. Prepare the Pesto

   • While the pasta is cooking, combine the canola or olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.

4. Mix the Pesto with Pasta

   • Combine the tomato mixture with about half of the reserved cooking liquid, stirring with a whisk. If the reserved liquid is too salty, add about 1/2 cup of warm tap water.

5. Toss and Serve

   • Add the pesto mixture to the pasta and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Nutritional Information

Interesting Facts

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease (source).
• Walnuts: A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that walnuts can improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease (source).
• Feta Cheese: Feta is a good source of calcium and protein, and it contains beneficial probiotics that support gut health (source).

Tips for the Perfect Dish

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of the pesto.
• Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This pasta with sun-dried tomato and walnut pesto, topped with feta cheese, is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Its rich combination of ingredients not only provides a delightful taste but also offers numerous health benefits. Enjoy this recipe with your loved ones and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, visit Food Network and BBC Good Food.