Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner: this incredibly creamy sun-dried tomato pasta. It’s a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet Italian restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. Packed with the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’re talking simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect meal for busy evenings, a cozy date night in, or whenever you crave a comforting bowl of pasta.
This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor quickly and efficiently. The secret is using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to create the base of the sauce, infusing every bite with that signature savory taste. It’s a simple trick that makes all the difference, turning a good pasta dish into an unforgettable one.
Why This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try
You’re going to adore this recipe, and here’s why. It’s the epitome of comfort food, blending rich flavors with a simple cooking process. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to create something truly special.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of chili creates a sauce that is bursting with complex, savory flavor.
- Restaurant-Quality Creaminess: Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese melt together to form a luxuriously smooth sauce that perfectly coats every single noodle.
- Easily Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for additions. Feel free to toss in grilled chicken, sautéed spinach, or roasted mushrooms to make it your own.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Sauce
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the signature creamy, savory sauce.
For the Pasta:
- Pasta: We recommend a long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine to catch all the delicious sauce, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni works wonderfully too.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil. The oil is liquid gold and adds an incredible depth of flavor to the sauce’s base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to the ultra-creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and make it extra glossy. Don’t skip this step!
- Herbs & Spices: Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, while fresh basil brings a touch of freshness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping pasta dish. The process is straightforward, ensuring you get perfect results every single time.
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, be sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Start the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the fresh basil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Tips for Recipe Success
Want to make your sun-dried tomato pasta even better? Here are a few expert tips to elevate your dish from great to absolutely spectacular.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente (still has a slight bite). It will continue to cook a little more when you toss it in the hot sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own from a block makes a huge difference in the sauce’s texture.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add a bit more! For a milder flavor, use less. Love a good sauce? You’ll love this amazing cheese sauce recipe too.
Easy Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a perfect canvas for adding your favorite proteins and vegetables to create a more complete meal.
- Add a Protein: Sliced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage are all fantastic additions. For a similar vibe, try this creamy chicken and asparagus pasta (coming soon).
- Toss in Some Greens: A few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale can be wilted into the sauce at the end for extra nutrients and color.
- Include More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli all pair beautifully with the flavors in this dish. If you love pasta dishes with great flavor profiles, you might also like this garlic butter chicken pasta.
What to Serve with Your Pasta
This sun-dried tomato pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce are excellent choices. For a heartier side, consider roasted asparagus or broccoli. And if you’re looking for another great pasta dish for later, check out this zesty Italian pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta with a cream sauce is always best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken and be absorbed by the pasta upon reheating. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
The creaminess in this recipe comes from a combination of heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of reserved starchy pasta water. The pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and gives it a glossy, professional finish.
This pasta is a great canvas for additions! Sliced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage are great protein options. You can also wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or add sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
For the most flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. The oil is infused with tomato flavor and creates a fantastic base for the sauce. If you only have dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for 20-30 minutes before using.
This dish is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, steamed asparagus, or a piece of crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
The Perfect Pasta Night Awaits
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect dish to bring comfort to your table and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create a truly memorable meal right at home. We hope you love it! If you do, please leave a comment and share it on Pinterest!
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: A Creamy, Dreamy 30-Minute Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
