Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Combining rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory Parmesan, it delivers a satisfying and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, and reserve some of the oil to enhance the sauce.
• Add fresh spinach or basil to the sauce for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.

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 water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Yes, but you should rehydrate dried sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for about 10 minutes before using. Drain well and consider adding some olive oil to the sauce for extra richness.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. The sauce ingredients themselves do not contain gluten.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or an elegant dinner.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)

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
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar if available)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Prepare the sun-dried tomato 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 2-3 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the tomatoes and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve: Divide the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• You can use oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes; if dry, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of milk and cream cheese.
• Add fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
• This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, creamy pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta dish