5 Minute Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

This Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is just what you need on a busy weeknight. Barilla® Ready Pastas are perfect for a family meal in no time!

Penne pasta is always a favorite with a special sauce that can make dinnertime even better. For more penne pasta recipes try this Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Instant Pot Pasta with Meatballs or Pesto Alfredo Chicken Casserole.

Quick and Easy Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

This dinner pasta is going to be a favorite in your family guaranteed! Barilla® Ready Pasta is a delicious, fully cooked pasta that is ready in the microwave in just 60 seconds. With Barilla® Ready Pasta you can customize any of your favorite meals. The possibilities are endless! This easy dish packs big flavor with just a handful of ingredients I picked up from Target.

Ready Pasta is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner or snack! Ready in just 60 seconds, it’s great for a meal on the go, whether it be lunch at work, an after-school snack or an easy, delicious dinner at home. Combine my favorite ingredients together and create a sweet and savory sun dried tomato pesto that will enhance this pasta and WOW your family! This combination mixed together will have rave reviews in your home.

Who is Barilla?

Barilla® is a well-known pasta company that has been perfecting pasta throughout the years. This new innovation and being able to simply microwave pasta has helped families, and created filling meals that is loved by all. This pasta is simple to make and can be dressed up with a tasty sauce, butter or just eating it plain. Barilla has created a pasta that is helping families get dinner on the table.

Where to Shop for Barilla Brand?

Barilla® Ready Pastas are available nationwide and everything from this recipe can be found at your local Target. The location of Barilla® Ready Pasta will vary from store to store. In many instances, the product will be located in the dry pasta aisle, near Barilla’s traditional pasta products or located within the convenience section of dry pasta products.

Why Choose Barilla® Ready Pasta?

Ready Pasta is quick and easy to make! The pasta is already fully cooked and can be heated in the microwave for 60 seconds or in a skillet with oil for 2 to 4 minutes. Both preparations create perfect pasta every time. Simply follow the heating instruction on the back of the package you bring to your home for best results. Even better, Barilla® Ready Pasta does not have any preservatives and is a non-GMO product.

Pesto Pasta Ingredients

Making this pesto pasta is amazingly easy to do. With pantry staple ingredients as well as keeping it under 6 ingredients, this pasta combination is a MUST try!

• Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Jarred and easy to access at Target
• Basil: Fresh basil is best and gives that delicious aroma and taste in the pesto sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated is perfect
• Pine Nuts: These nuts are soft, crunchy and chewy all in one bite.
• Oil: Helps add flavoring as well as smooths the sauce.
• Garlic: Add in some fresh grated garlic for a hint of savory deliciousness.
• Salt and Pepper: Just to taste, if needed!
• Package of Barilla Read Penne Ready Pasta: This pasta is the main event and makes life so much easier cooking this pasta in 60 seconds.

Only 5 Minutes!

Place the pasta in the microwave to warm up, combine your pesto sauce then mix together and you have a delicious dinner ready in no time! This 5 minute dinner is going to be a family favorite.

1. In a food processor combine sun dried tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
2. In a medium skillet add the pesto over medium heat to warm. Cook the pasta in the microwave according to package directions. Carefully open the package and add to the pesto and toss until coated. Serve.

 

Microwave Pasta!

Each variety of Ready Pasta will have specific heating instructions that are simple to read and right on the back of the package. There are two options to choose from, either microwave for 60 seconds or warmed up in a skillet for 2 to 4 minutes. Once you are ready to heat the pasta, simply knead the pouch prior to opening. For best results follow the package instructions that are listed on the back.

Ready Pasta is already fully cooked and ready to be warmed up in a microwaveable safety pouch. Barilla has made is possible to avoid any food preservatives as well as ensuring the quality of their pasta. Since the Ready Pasta is already fully cooked you do not have to reheat it before eating but it is highly recommend for the best taste.

Tips for the Best Sun Dried Pesto Pasta

It is best to follow the instructions located on the back of the package when cooking the pasta. Once the pasta is done it can be combined easily with the sun dried tomato pesto pasta.

• Knead the Package: It is recommend but not required to knead and move the pasta package around. The pasta will still heat properly either way.
• Tear: It is not a problem if you forget to tear the package before cooking in the microwave. If you do forget, the steam may increase in the pouch and cause it to possibly pop. Wait about 2 minutes before opening if you forget to tear the pouch to avoid any built-up steam.
• After Microwaving: The pasta will be hot! Empty the product in a bowl and gently separate with a fork if needed.
• Protein: Add in some leftover chicken strips or meatballs to add in protein for a more complete meal.
• Pesto Pasta: If you do not have a food processor, a blender or a mixer will also help to mix together the ingredients quickly and easily.

When Can I Use Ready Pasta?

Any time! Seriously, this will be a convenient substitute for Barilla Dry Pasta. Replace any pasta for this Ready Pasta and still have high-end pasta dinner. Combine any sauces or simply add butter for a delicious meal using this Ready Pasta. It is simple to make and comes in a variety of pasta choices. Change your dinner routine and simplify using this Ready Pasta in half the time.

Storing Sun Dried Pasta

This pasta is perfect for storing and reheating the next day for a quick snack or a light lunch. Once the pouch is used, discard the pouch and place in a sealed container or airtight bag that will hold the pasta.

• Refrigerator: You will want to store in an airtight container for 2 days. Place in the microwave safe bowl and reheat for 30-60 seconds.
• Can you Freeze the Ready Pasta Pouch? Once it is cooked, you can freeze in an airtight container for 1 month. When ready to reheat, place bag in a pot of boiling water to reheat.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes

• Cheesy Chicken, Bacon and Broccoli Ranch Pasta
• 10 Minute Pesto Pasta 
• Easy Pasta Primavera Recipe
• Chicken Enchilada Pasta
• One Pot Creamy Spinach Mushroom Artichoke Chicken

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5 Minute Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

This Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is just what you need on a busy week night. These pasta ready packages are perfect for a family meal in no time!

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian, Italian American

Keyword pesto pasta, sun dried tomato, tomato pesto pasta

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 249kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• salt and pepper
• 1 package Barilla Penne Ready Pasta

Instructions

• In a food processor combine sun dried tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
• In a medium skillet add the pesto over medium heat to warm. Cook the pasta in the microwave according to package directions. Carefully open the package and add to the pesto and toss until coated. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 503IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 1mg

 

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The Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes of Your Life!

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes are a tender, creamy and so delicious comforting dish! The parmesan cheese adds such an amazing flavor with a slight crust around the edges.

These make such a great side dish! They go perfect with Classic Honey Glazed Ham, Garlic Butter Prime Rib, or Skillet Salisbury Steak!

Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

These Scalloped Potatoes are going to become an instant favorite at your home. They are SO creamy and delicious. And you are going to love the parmesan cheese inside. They are baked to tender potato perfection and the top will have a delicious crisp parmesan crust. Then you dig in to the creamy, delicious and cheesy layers.

Whether you are making these for a special occasion, holiday or any family dinner, you are going to LOVE these! It’s perfect for any meal. They’re comforting and hearty. Everyone is going to love these cheesy creamy potatoes.

Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients

• Butter: Butter and potatoes just go together
• Flour: Acts as a thickener
• Salt and Pepper: Add more or less to taste
• Whipping Cream: This is not frozen whipped topping. You can use heavy whipping cream or half and half.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and texture
• Mozzarella Cheese: Such a great melting flavorful cheese
• Potatoes: I used Russets
• Chives: Fresh for garnish

How to Make Scalloped Potatoes

1. Melt: In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat and add in flour salt and pepper. Add in the whipping cream and stir till it begins to thicken. Then add in half of the parmesan cheese.
2. Layer: In a lightly sprayed 2 quart casserole dish, arrange half of the potatoes overlapping each other. Spread half of the sauce on top followed by 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and sauce topped with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese.
3. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25-30 minutes more until the potatoes are fork tender and the top is starting to brown. Sprinkle with chives before serving.

Potato Tips

• Kind: Russet Potatoes or Yukon Golds deliver the best taste and shape. Russets have the most starch and make the creamiest sauce, and Yukons tend to hold their shape a little better.
• Cutting: Try to keep the potatoes the same size and slice them  between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. You can use a mandoline or other tool for even uniformity.
• Cook: Do not boil your potatoes before baking. The sauce relies on starch from the potatoes to thicken it.
• Add ins: There are lots of ways to diversify this basic recipe. Add garlic, diced onion, peppers, for heat add a can of diced green chilies. You can also add crumbled bacon or small cubes of ham.
• Cheese: You can use different kinds of cheese for different flavors and textures. Experiment with your favorites.
• Curdling: The curdling is caused by high heat. So to keep the sauce together, you need to make a smooth cheese sauce instead of layering grated cheese and milk or cream with the potatoes. Also don’t boil your sauce.

Storing Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

• Fridge: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven.
• Freeze: If you plan to freeze the scalloped potatoes, the potatoes need to be removed from the oven before they finish cooking to protect their texture. Once you freeze the potatoes, you may want to thaw them in the refrigerator or bake them frozen.
• Make Ahead: You can bake these ahead of time and refrigerate the day before then reheat in the oven for half an hour to 40 min before serving

Need Even More Potato Inspired Side Dishes? Try these!

• Dad’s Famous Mashed Potatoes 
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
• Funeral Potatoes 
• Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Perfect Baked Potatoes

 

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Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes are tender, creamy and so delicious! The parmesan cheese adds such amazing flavor and these are a must make side dish!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword parmesan scalloped potatoes, scalloped potatoes

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings 6 People

Calories 528kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cup whipping cream can also use half and half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• Snipped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly spray a 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a small saucepan melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat and which in the flour, salt and pepper. Add the whipping cream and stir for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
• Arrange half of the potatoes in the prepared casserole dish overlapping each other. Spread half of the sauce on top followed by 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and sauce topped with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25-30 minutes more until the potatoes are fork tender and the top is starting to brown. Sprinkle with chives before serving.

Video

Notes

Updated Post on October 21, 2020

Originally Posted on March 23, 2019

Nutrition

Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 703mg | Potassium: 715mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1481IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 2mg

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Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels are a slightly spiced creamy chicken blend rolled up in easy to eat bite sized appetizer. Soft pillowy tortillas wrapped around colorful, amazing flavored filling are going to be a hit at your next gathering!

These are such a fun snack to serve! You can pair them with chips and some Mouthwatering Cowboy Caviar, Blender Salsa or Pico de Gallo. Make an impression the next time you bring a dish with these.

Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels

There is something about the color and easiness of pinwheels that make them so attractive. They are almost always the first to disappear at an event. The Mexican twist on the filling of these is  different from what’s usually served. It will be such a nice surprise to bite into them. Pinwheels are so easy to eat, no mess. Everyone loves them.

The awesome thing about pinwheels is how easy they are to make. They do require refrigeration to help them set up and stick all together. They are so nice to make ahead of time and pop them in the fridge and then you can move on to other things.  I love the smooth creaminess of these easy and super tasty little snacks.

Pinwheel Ingredients

Simple ingredients that are easy to find or have on hand.

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened
• Sour Cream: Full fat or low fat, both work great
• Rotel Tomatoes: This is tomatoes with green chilies, make sure to drain them
• Green Bell Pepper: Create texture and flavor
• Chicken: Cooked and shredded
• Mexican Cheese: This is a great blend of cheese that work well.
• Taco Seasoning: The best is this homemade seasoning.
• Green Onion: Chop these pretty finely
• Cilantro: Brightens the flavor and makes it taste so fresh
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas will roll the easiest.

How to Make Mexican Pinwheel Snack

Super easy to assemble and quick, just need a little time in the fridge.

1. Mix: In a large bowl or stand mixer place all the ingredients except the tortillas. With the mixer or using a hand mixer beat together all the ingredients till smooth and creamy and mixed well.
2. Roll: Spread about 1/4-1/2 cup of mixture on a tortilla leaving about an inch around the edges. Roll up tightly and cover really well with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Slice: When ready to serve slice into at least 1 inch pinwheels.

Tips and Variations for Easy Mexican Pinwheels

Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, these Mexican Pinwheels are going to be a crowd pleaser!

• Tortillas: You can use a wide variety of tortillas for these. Try flavored wraps or flatouts. I’d stick to flour based however, corn tortillas are not as soft and tend to fall apart.
• Filling: You can add black beans, corn, and for extra spice try dicing a jalapeño or diced chilies in the filling
• Cheese: The recipe calls for Mexican cheese which is usually a blend of 3 cheeses. This adds the best flavor combo and it’s usually finely grated which rolls up the best in the tortillas. You can easily sub out any other type of cheese you’d like. Cheddar, pepper jack, monterey jack, or even cotija will all work. I suggest finely grating what ever you use.
• Refrigerate: Don’t skip this step. This makes sure the filling and tortillas meld together so they don’t come undone when you cut them.
• Slicing:  Use a serrated knife and make sure you don’t slice them too thin. They’ll come undone.
• Covering: When you put them in the fridge, make sure you cover them well so the ends especially don’t dry out. That’d be bad.

How to Use Mexican Taco Pinwheels

• Lunch: These aren’t just for appetizers, they make great lunches. Easy to eat, little mess and kids love them. (Adults too)
• Snacks: Better for you then crackers or junk food, these are perfect when you need a little snack
• Potluck: Perfect for a gathering, for easier transportation don’t cut them until you arrive at your destination. Make sure you cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.
• Serve: Serve with salsa or guacamole, or all by themselves. They are that good.
• Dinner:  You can even use these for a light dinner served with  rice, fruit and veggies.

More Pinwheels to Try

Because pinwheels are not just fun to make, their fun to eat!

• Peanut Butter Pinwheel Candy
• Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
• Hot Ham and Swiss Pinwheels
• Easy Italian Pinwheels
• Cream Cheese Jalapeno Pinwheels

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Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican Pinwheels are a slightly spiced creamy chicken blend rolled up in easy to eat bite sized pinwheels. Soft pillowy tortillas wrapped around colorful, amazing flavored filling are going to be a hit at your next gathering! 

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword chicken bacon ranch pinwheels, mexican pinwheel

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 6 People

Calories 498kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 12 ounce cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 10 ounce can rotel drained (tomatoes with green chilis)
• 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
• 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
• 2 cups Mexican cheese shredded
• 2 Tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning
• 2 Tablespoons green onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
• 6 flour tortillas

Instructions

• In a large bowl or stand mixer combine cream cheese, sour cream, rotel, bell pepper, chicken, cheese, taco seasoning, green onions and cilantro. Using the mixer or hand mixer beat together until smooth.
• Place 1/4- 1/2 cup of the mixture on the tortilla and spread leaving about an inch from the edges. Roll up tightly and refrigerate for an hour.
• Slice into one inch pinwheels and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 744mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1296IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 2mg

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Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce, the name says it all, a Japanese steak house mayo based sauce that is amazing. This popular sauce is light, sweet and tangy!

Popular sauces that are made from scratch are so easy and so much better. Think homemade Famous Fry Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce and Homemade Cheese Sauce.

Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce is a staple at Japanese Hibachi restaurants, although it’s not something you’d find handedly in Japan. It’s an North American thing, but oh is it good. Hibachi is a method of cooking meat, vegetables and seafood on a high heat metal cooking plate. This sauce is almost always on the table, with your meal.

This is so easy and simple to make you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to try it. You can find Yum Yum Sauce sold at stores, but this is so much easier and so much better!

How to Make Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients

Simple ingredients but big on flavor.

• Mayo: The creamy base
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a zing of deliciousness but is a MUST for that added touch in this Yum Yum Sauce
• Tomato Paste: Do not substitute this with ketchup. Big no no.
• Paprika: There are a range of flavors in paprika stick to the sweet not smoky ones
• Garlic Powder: Flavor enhancer
• Sugar: Counter acts the acid in the tomato paste and binds everything together.
• Butter: May sound weird but it’s a crucial part of the yum yum
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste
• Water: Thins the sauce to the right consistency.

Make it Yummy!

This must have sauce is so simple to make you won’t have to go to a Japanese Steak house to get it!

1. Mix: In a small bowl whisk all the ingredients but the water together. Then thin with the water to desired consistency.

How to Use Yum Yum Sauce  

Similar to what many call “Fry Sauce” but different, this sauce can be used in a variety of ways. It’s so versatile, it should be a staple in your fridge for sure.

• As a dipping sauce for shrimp
• Drizzled over fried rice and noodles
• With grilled chicken, meat and seafood
• Slathered on hamburger and hot dog buns
• With French fries and sweet potato fries
• As a dipping sauce for potstickers and wontons
• As a vegetable dip
• With sushi and rice balls
• In pasta salads
• In potato salads
• As a salad dressing
• On baked potatoes

Tips and Storing Sauce

• Variety: This is definitely a great base sauce, if you need to add more or less seasoning to your liking go for it. Add some cayenne, a splash of vinegar or extra pepper. You decide.
• Let it set: The longer the sauce sits before you use it the better, if you can plan to make a day ahead. It gives time for the flavors to meld.
• Store: This is best kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. However this is so easy to make and so good, you can make small batches and make it fresh every time you need it.

Recipes to Have with Yum Yum Sauce

• Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
• THE BEST Grilled Shrimp
• Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
• Better than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice
• Crispy Onion Rings

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Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce, the name says it all, a Japanese steak house mayo based sauce that is amazing. This popular sauce is light, sweet and tangy! 

Course Sauce

Cuisine Asian American, Japanese

Keyword yum yum, yum yum sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 32 Tablespoons

Calories 54kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Melted Butter
• salt and pepper
• 2-3 Tablespoons water

Instructions

• In a small bowl whisk the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, sugar, butter and salt and pepper.
• Add water as needed to get the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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