Irresistible Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe to Savor

There is something magical about the aroma of sun-dried tomato pasta wafting through your kitchen, making you feel like a gourmet chef in an Italian villa. The rich, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes blend beautifully with creamy sauces and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul.

As you twirl the pasta around your fork, the vibrant colors and delightful textures transport you to a sunny terrace overlooking lush vineyards. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends during a dinner party. You’ll find that with every bite, anticipation builds as you experience an explosion of flavors that leaves you craving more.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their faces lit up like children on Christmas morning when they tasted it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: I prefer using penne or fusilli because they hold onto the sauce wonderfully.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed ones for added flavor and moisture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a robust aroma that elevates the entire dish.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness; feel free to substitute with a plant-based cream if desired.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances creaminess; avoid pre-grated versions for better texture.

• Fresh Basil: Use it as a garnish for brightness and freshness; it truly brings everything together.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds depth and flavor at finishing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make sun-dried tomato pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt once boiling; this makes your pasta taste amazing. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds will do the trick! The smell will make you feel like an Italian nonna.

Next, toss in those luscious sun-dried tomatoes and sauté them for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly, bringing out their flavor profile even more. Stirring occasionally ensures even cooking.

Once your pasta is ready, reserve a cup of cooking water before draining it. This starchy water will help bind your sauce later on. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes.

Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently to combine everything beautifully. If it looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese while continuing to stir until melted and creamy perfection forms. Serve immediately with fresh basil on top!

Enjoy every single bite as if you were dining under the Tuscan sun!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make sun-dried tomato pasta efficiently, start by boiling the pasta in salted water while sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. This multitasking approach saves time and enhances flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your sun-dried tomato pasta by adding fresh spinach, grilled chicken, or even feta cheese. These additions can bring new layers of flavor and nutrition to your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover sun-dried tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of olive oil or water.

Cooking sun-dried tomato pasta reminds me of a dinner party where friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds—it was such a hit!

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for sun-dried tomato pasta?

Penne or fusilli are great choices as they hold sauce well.

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

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to achieve similar flavors.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit any meat and add extra veggies for a hearty meal.

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Delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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Indulge in the rich and tangy flavors of sun-dried tomato pasta, a dish that transforms any meal into a gourmet experience. This easy-to-make recipe combines creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant herbs for an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
4. 4. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. 5. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating fresh spinach or grilled chicken into your dish. Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.