As a devoted Trader Joe’s shopper, I’ve come to rely on their unique and flavorful products to spice up my home cooking. There’s something about the combination of convenience and quality that keeps me coming back. This pesto pasta dish is a prime example of how a few key ingredients from TJ’s can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Organic Pasta (I love their Gigli or Trofie Colore)
- 1 jar of Trader Joe’s Genova Pesto
- 1/2 cup of Trader Joe’s Julienne Sliced Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup of Trader Joe’s Pine Nuts
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. There’s nothing quite like perfectly cooked pasta, and Trader Joe’s organic options never let me down.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Meanwhile, I take a small skillet and toast the pine nuts over medium heat. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll want to keep an eye on them as they can go from golden to burnt quickly. Once they’re toasted to perfection, I set them aside to cool.
- Mix in the Pesto: After draining the pasta, I return it to the pot and stir in the Genova Pesto. The rich, herby aroma that fills the kitchen is absolutely heavenly. This pesto is a gem—packed with basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, it’s the heart of this dish.
- Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Next, I fold in the sun-dried tomatoes, which add a lovely chewy texture and a punch of intense tomato flavor. They’re like little jewels dotted throughout the pasta.
- Combine and Serve: To finish, I transfer the pasta to a serving dish, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top, and, if I’m feeling fancy, add a grating of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.
And there you have it! In less than 20 minutes, I’ve whipped up a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This Trader Joe’s Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts is a staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Bon appétit!
