Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, garlicky cream sauce made vibrant by sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, reduce or omit the olive oil when sautéing garlic to avoid excess oiliness.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated flavor. If using fresh, cook them down longer to reduce moisture or consider roasting them first to intensify their taste.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, but wider noodles like fettuccine or penne hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta offers a luscious and flavorful meal combining al dente pasta with a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish balances savory and creamy textures in every bite.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli works best)

Sauce

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar or extra virgin)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired for added flavor.

Notes

• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less thick.
• Fresh basil or parsley makes a great garnish to add freshness.

Keywords: Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce pasta, Italian pasta dish