Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
