This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a true comfort dish! It’s packed with flavor from the rich cream and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, making every bite delightful.
I’m always amazed at how something so simple can taste so gourmet. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got dinner sorted—you’ll feel like a chef in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or fettuccine, but you can absolutely swap in your favorite pasta shape. Gluten-free pasta works well if you’re avoiding gluten. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy flavor. If you can’t find them packed in oil, you can use dry sun-dried tomatoes—just soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate them. I love using the oil-packed version for extra richness.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. Just remember that using lower-fat options might make the sauce less creamy, so you might need to adjust cooking times a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and melting. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option does a good job too.
Basil: Fresh basil is always my favorite for its bright flavor, but if you only have dried basil, that works too. Just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated (about 1 teaspoon should do).
How Do I Get a Smooth and Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce from scratch is simpler than you think! The key is combining the right ingredients and cooking them carefully to avoid curdling.
- Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil; this infuses the oil and builds flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes next, allowing their flavors to meld with the garlic.
- When you pour in the heavy cream, keep the heat on medium to avoid boiling, which can break the sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter after the cream simmers, helping them melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Finally, toss the pasta directly in the sauce to ensure every noodle is coated evenly!
With these tips, you’ll have a rich and creamy sauce that elevates your pasta dish wonderfully! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or rehydrated if dry)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 2 tablespoons butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable creamy sun-dried tomato pasta will take about 20 minutes in total! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. So, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want to impress at dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that’s just slightly firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can have a bitter taste!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Give it a stir and let them cook for around 2-3 minutes. This helps the flavors come together beautifully!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit, making it all the more luscious!
5. Stir in Cheese and Seasoning:
Time to elevate that sauce! Stir in the butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes here too! Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the butter and cheese are melted into a creamy, smooth sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it gently to coat all the noodles evenly with that creamy sauce. Make sure each bite will be full of flavor!
7. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. If you’re using dried basil, add it a little earlier to let the flavors infuse. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your creamy sun-dried tomato pasta immediately. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy this delightful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are recommended, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. For the cheese, nutritional yeast is a tasty dairy-free substitute that can add a cheesy flavor to your dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
What Can I Pair with This Dish?
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce!