Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe: Luscious Italian Comfort Food

Weeknight dinners find magic in this sun-dried tomato pasta creation that promises delightful flavor in mere minutes.

Mediterranean influences dance through each twirling bite of pasta.

Robust tomato notes mingle with fragrant herbs, creating a sensational symphony on your plate.

Pantry staples become extraordinary when combined with strategic culinary techniques.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Fresh ingredients elevate every single forkful into something memorable.

You’ll savor each incredible bite that connects comfort with elegant simplicity.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta That’s Light and Luscious

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious sun-dried tomato pasta in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with intense sun-dried tomato richness, creamy Parmesan sauce, and a hint of garlic, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills required.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customize by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that transform into an elegant pasta dish, proving you don't need expensive components to create a memorable meal that feels like a special treat.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Basics

• Pasta: Soft, classic base for the dish that holds the creamy sauce well. Choose a pasta shape that captures sauce easily like penne or fusilli.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic: Intense, concentrated flavors that provide depth and Mediterranean character. Sun-dried tomatoes offer rich, tangy sweetness. Fresh garlic recommended for best taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that helps create smooth, creamy texture. Freshly grated provides superior melting quality.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds gentle heat and complexity.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and build flavor base. Extra virgin olive oil preferred for authentic taste.
• Heavy Cream: Rich, luxurious sauce foundation that creates silky, velvety consistency. Full-fat cream ensures best results.
• Black Pepper: Warm, aromatic spice that complements other ingredients and adds subtle sharpness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances overall dish flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, fresh garnish that adds herbal aroma and color contrast.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Quick Toss Method

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

Drain the pasta and keep it waiting.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Grab a large skillet and pour in olive oil.

Warm it up over medium heat, then toss in minced garlic.

Let it dance and sizzle until it releases its aromatic magic, which takes about a minute.

Step 3: Introduce Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Let them mingle and warm up in the skillet, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Silky Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat and pour in heavy cream.

Allow the mixture to gently simmer and merge together for about 2 minutes, creating a luxurious base.

Step 5: Cheese Magic

Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Stir until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy wonderland.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet.

Toss and coat every strand thoroughly.

If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Final Fresh Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, adding a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Flavor Tips for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce that melts seamlessly into the cream.
• Sauté garlic quickly to release its flavor without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding a gentle kick or serious heat as desired.
• Simmer the cream gently to prevent separation and maintain a luxurious, velvety texture.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Storage

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out.
• Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen, so enjoy this pasta fresh within a few days for best taste and texture.

What Pairs With Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the sun-dried tomato's intense flavor and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Elevate with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a crisp contrast in texture.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Enhance with Herbed Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled tangy goat cheese on top to add a creamy, zesty element that perfectly complements the sun-dried tomato's sweetness.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Italian Twists

• Vegan Creamy Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free, plant-based version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein like tofu cubes to boost nutritional value. Sauté protein separately and mix into the sauce just before serving.
• Lighter Mediterranean Approach: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Incorporate extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs like oregano for a healthier, Mediterranean-inspired take on the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture with the creamy sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the sauce. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently, adding a splash of pasta water to restore the creamy consistency when ready to serve.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta promises a Mediterranean escape on your plate, blending rich flavors with silky textures. Garlic, herbs, and tangy tomatoes create a luscious sauce that will transport you to an Italian countryside kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, and chopped)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse pasta in boiling water, following package guidelines until perfectly tender. Extract and reserve 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize and release intense flavors while stirring periodically.
4. Reduce heat and gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, permitting the mixture to shimmer and meld for approximately two minutes.
5. Gradually fold grated Parmesan cheese into the developing sauce, whisking until achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
6. Delicately transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, creamy sauce. If the texture seems overly dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clinging consistency.
7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering torn fresh basil leaves across the surface just before presenting to diners.

Notes

• Boost pasta water retention by salting generously before cooking, enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for deeper, richer taste experience.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, maintaining sauce’s velvety texture.
• Elevate protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform into a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg