Ellie’s pasta recipe is simple, quick and extremely scrumptious! When we tested it we were so surprised it took less than 15 minutes to prepare! The salty sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, pungent fresh garlic and licorice-like, crisp basil provided a combo of flavors that even the kids loved! What an easy, delicious summertime pasta recipe! 15 minutes? Really? Yes!!!

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil

2 garlic cloves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, blend sun-dried tomatoes and their oil, garlic, salt and pepper, to taste, and basil in a food processor or blender and blend until the tomatoes are finely chopped. Transfer tomato mixture to a large bowl. Stir in Parmesan.

Add pasta to pesto and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season  pasta, to taste, with salt, pepper and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Serves 2-4