Sun Dried Tomato Fresh Pasta

There’s something undeniably satisfying about making fresh pasta from scratch. From the moment you mix the flour and eggs to the final twirl around the fork, the process is not just a culinary journey, but a labor of love. In this recipe, we’re putting a delicious spin on the classic pasta with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. The vibrant flavor of the tomatoes infuses the dough, creating a beautiful orange hue and a rich taste that marries perfectly with a variety of sauces. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embrace the joy of homemade pasta with our Sun-Dried Tomato Fresh Pasta recipe.

**Sun Dried Tomato Fresh Pasta**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes**: Start by soaking the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. Once softened, pat them dry with a paper towel and finely chop them.

2. **Make the Pasta Dough**: On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs while gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well.

3. **Knead the Dough**: Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough feels too dry, add a little water; if it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.

4. **Rest the Dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. **Roll Out the Pasta**: After resting, cut the dough into smaller pieces and roll each piece out using a pasta machine or a rolling pin. Aim for a thin, even sheet of pasta.

6. **Cut the Pasta**: Once you have your pasta sheet ready, use a sharp knife or pasta cutter to slice the sheet into your desired shape – whether it’s fettuccine, linguine, or even ravioli.

7. **Cook the Pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully drop in the fresh pasta. Cook for just a few minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta, so keep an eye on it.

8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with your favorite sauce. The sun-dried tomato fresh pasta pairs wonderfully with simple olive oil and herbs, or a rich tomato-based sauce. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!

Homemade pasta is a true labor of love, and the addition of sun-dried tomatoes takes it to the next level. The sweet-tart flavor of the tomatoes adds a unique depth to each bite, making every forkful a delightful experience. Gather your loved ones around the table and savor the fruits of your labor with this Sun-Dried Tomato Fresh Pasta recipe. Make a batch on a cozy weekend afternoon and revel in the joy of creating something truly special from scratch. Cheers to good food, good company, and the simple pleasures of a homemade meal.