Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Looking for a diary free dinner that is full of flavor and takes about 15 minutes to make?

Give this a whirl!

Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato "Pesto" and Wilted Spinach.

The smoked paprika adds a surprising depth of flavor to the dish.

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
3 Tbl pine nuts
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 Tbl red wine vinegar
1 tsp fresh thyme
1/4 cup olive oil
pinch of crushed red pepper
2 1/2 cups fresh spinach
16 oz whole grain penne

Cover tomatoes and garlic with boiling water in a bowl and allow to steep for 15 minutes.  Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid.  Transfer softened tomatoes and garlic to a food processor.  Add pine nuts, vinegar, paprika, thyme, red pepper, and 2 Tbl of the reserved steeping liquid.  Pulse until smooth, adding more water if necessary. With the motor running, add olive oil.

Prepare pasta in salted water according to the instructions.  Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.  Return pasta to pot, add 1/2 pesto, spinach and pasta water.  Toss until pesto becomes a smooth sauce and spinach has wilted.  Garnish with pine nuts.