linguine with sun dried tomatoes and toasted pignoli garlic sauce pasta
Troy Hinck
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **linguine with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pignoli garlic sauce pasta**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help your recipe rank higher:
- **Linguine pasta** (or substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine for a similar texture)
- **Sun-dried tomatoes** (packed in oil for extra flavor, or dry and rehydrated)
- **Pignoli nuts** (also known as pine nuts, toasted for a nutty flavor)
- **Garlic cloves** (freshly minced for a robust taste)
- **Extra virgin olive oil** (high-quality for sautéing and richness)
- **Fresh basil leaves** (chopped for a fresh, aromatic touch)
- **Parmesan cheese** (freshly grated for a creamy, savory finish)
- **Red pepper flakes** (optional, for a hint of spice)
- **Salt** (to taste, for seasoning the pasta water and sauce)
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground, for added depth of flavor)
- **Fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish and freshness)
- **Lemon zest** (optional, for a bright, citrusy note)
- **Pasta water** (reserved, to help emulsify the sauce)
This combination of **sun-dried tomatoes**, **toasted pignoli nuts**, and **garlic** creates a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with **linguine pasta**. Don’t forget to toast the **pine nuts** for maximum flavor and use **fresh herbs** for a vibrant finish!
Steps
# Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Toasted Pignoli Garlic Sauce: A Flavorful Italian Delight
If you're craving a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make yet impressive, this **linguine with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pignoli garlic sauce** is the perfect recipe. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this dish combines the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, the nuttiness of toasted pignoli (pine nuts), and the aromatic punch of garlic. Follow these detailed steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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## **Ingredients**
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
- 1/4 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus 2 tbsp reserved from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Toast the Pignoli (Pine Nuts)**
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pignoli and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
### **2. Cook the Linguine**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
### **3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce**
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tbsp of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes.
### **4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce**
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomato mixture.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tbsp at a time, to create a silky sauce.
### **5. Add the Finishing Touches**
- Stir in the toasted pignoli, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
### **6. Serve and Enjoy**
- Plate the linguine and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
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## **Tips for Success**
- Use **oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes** for a richer flavor and smoother texture.
- Toast the pignoli carefully to avoid burning, as they can turn bitter.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and enhance the dish’s creaminess.
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This **linguine with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pignoli garlic sauce** is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers. Enjoy!
**Keywords**: linguine pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pignoli, garlic sauce, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, Mediterranean flavors, homemade pasta sauce, quick dinner ideas.