Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy tang of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this pasta recipe is both simple to make and satisfying to eat. The combination of garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, and chopped)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle additional Parmesan or mozzarella on top and broil for a golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
Yes, but you’ll need to rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes before chopping.
What type of pasta works best?
Any type of pasta works, but penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce particularly well.
How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy tang of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this pasta recipe is both simple to make and satisfying to eat. The combination of garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, and chopped)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg