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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Immerse pasta in boiling water, following package guidelines until perfectly tender. Extract and reserve 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize and release intense flavors while stirring periodically.
- Reduce heat and gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, permitting the mixture to shimmer and meld for approximately two minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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