Penne alla Pesto Calabrese 

Enjoy a Napolina take on Southern Italy’s beloved red pesto with this Penne alla Pesto Calabrese – a smooth, creamy pasta dish bursting with colour and character. Penne alla Pesto Calabrese originates from the Italian region of Calabria, and is a slightly spicy red pepper pesto sauce paired with pasta. This is a red and hotter alternative to traditional green basil pesto, such as Pesto Alla Genovese.

Roasted red pepper, sundried tomatoes, basil, pecorino and toasted almonds come together beautifully with Napolina’s Chilli & Sundried Tomato Oil and Herbs & Garlic Flavour Booster, creating a rich, rounded sauce full of warmth and depth.

Tossed through perfectly cooked Napolina Penne, this recipe is ready in minutes and brings all the comfort and bold flavours of Calabria straight to your bowl. Simple, satisfying and full of Italian flair – ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or those moments when you want something delicious with very little effort.

Cooking Time

10 mins prep / 15 mins cook time

Servings

2

Method:

  1. Add the sundried tomatoes, roasted red pepper, basil leaves, pecorino, roasted almonds, Napolina Chilli and Sundried Tomato Oil, and Napolina Herbs & Garlic Flavour Booster to a blender. Blitz until smooth to form your rich, creamy Pesto Calabrese. 
  2. Transfer the pesto to a pan over a medium heat. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce, then add the cooked Napolina Penne Pasta. Fold everything together until the pasta is fully coated. 
  3. Serve into bowls and finish with Parmigiano Reggiano and a few fresh basil leaves. Enjoy! 

Ingredients

Video Instructions:
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