Recipe: Sun-dried tomato, California Prune and balsamic pesto pasta

Recipe

24 Feb 2026

We love this quick and tasty orzo pasta dish from our friends at California Prunes.

The prunes complement the tangy tomatoes and nutty walnuts in this speedy recipe, perfect for light dinners or packed lunches.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 350g dried pasta or orzo
  • 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil (280g)
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 80g walnuts
  • 1 lemon
  • 200g tender stem broccoli
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 150g California Prunes
  • 2 small garlic cloves (or 1 large)
  • 60g Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water for 9 minutes
  2. To make the pesto, place the sun-dried tomatoes with their oil into a food processor.
  3. Add 3/4 of the prunes, most of the walnuts, garlic, fennel seeds and the Parmesan (cut into chunks).
  4. Blend until smooth.
  5. Add half the lemon juice, then season to taste.
  6. Add the broccoli to the pasta pan for the final 5 minutes.
  7. Chop the remaining prunes and walnuts.
  8. When the broccoli is ready, lift it out and place over the chopped prunes and walnuts.
  9. Drizzle with a little olive oil and the remaining lemon juice.
  10. Drain the pasta and toss with half the pesto.
  11. Serve topped with broccoli and extra Parmesan.

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