Rough & Ready Sunday Recipe
A punchy, plant-based pasta with sweet tomatoes, toasted seeds and a glossy pesto that clings to every shell.
Why you’ll love it
Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness and depth; pumpkin seeds make the pesto creamy without heaviness; pine nuts add a buttery finish. It is fast enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for friends, and the leftover pesto is excellent on toast or roasted vegetables.
Cook’s note: Save a mug of pasta water before draining. Its starch turns the pesto silky and helps it coat the pasta properly.
The recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato, Pumpkin Seed & Pine Nut Pesto Pasta
Vegan · 25 minutes · Best served immediately
Ingredients
- 400g organic malloreddos pasta
- 120g organic sun-dried tomatoes
- 50g organic pumpkin seeds, plus extra to finish
- 30g organic pine nuts, plus extra to finish
- 1 small garlic clove, roughly chopped
- 1 large handful fresh basil, plus extra to serve
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 120–150ml extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus black pepper and salt for the pasta water
Method
- 1Toast the seedsPut the pumpkin seeds and pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant. Reserve a spoonful for serving.
- 2Cook the pastaBoil the malloreddos in well-salted water according to the packet instructions until al dente. Scoop out a mug of cooking water, then drain.
- 3Blend the pestoPulse the sun-dried tomatoes, remaining seeds and nuts, garlic, basil, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt and pepper to a textured paste. Add 2–4 tablespoons of pasta water until glossy and spoonable.
- 4Toss until glossyReturn the pasta to the warm pan. Fold through the pesto, adding pasta water a splash at a time until every shell is generously coated.
- 5Finish and serveDivide between warm bowls. Scatter over the reserved seeds and nuts, basil, lemon zest and plenty of black pepper.
From our pantry to yours
Shop the recipe
One click adds the selected in-stock pack of all four featured products. Pantry basics and fresh ingredients are not included.
Organic Sun-Dried Tomatoes1kg selected · Shop now →
Organic Pumpkin Seeds1kg selected · Shop now →
Organic Pine Nuts250g selected · Shop now →
Organic Malloreddos Pasta1kg selected · Shop now →
Price shown at publication. Live checkout price and availability apply.
Make it your own
Add greens: Fold through rocket, spinach or steamed broccoli just before serving.
Use the leftovers: Spoon extra pesto onto toast, roast vegetables or grain bowls.
Storage: Keep leftover pesto covered in the fridge for up to three days.
Allergen note: Contains pine nuts. Product recipes and packing environments can change; always check the individual product label for the latest allergen information.