Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that wraps you up in a warm, flavorful hug. Rich and velvety, each strand of fettuccine or penne gets luxuriously coated in a sauce that dances between tangy and savory, thanks to chunks of sun-dried tomatoes releasing their intense, almost fruity depth. As you swirl your fork, you’ll notice the subtle heat from red pepper flakes playing off the smooth creaminess of the sauce. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a lovely dinner, this recipe is beginner-friendly, with straightforward steps that even first-time home cooks can tackle with confidence.
I love how adaptable this pasta can be. Feel free to throw in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp if you want to elevate it with protein, or keep it vegetarian and enjoy the pure, unadulterated flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and those sun-kissed tomatoes. Garnishing with fresh basil gives it a pop of color and a fragrant finish that brings everything together. With about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a cozy, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. Plus, at around 650 calories a serving, it hits that sweet spot between indulgence and balance. Bust out your favorite wine, invite someone you love, and get ready to savor every bite of this creamy, tangy delight!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA
Before diving into the method, it helps to know why each ingredient shines in this creamy pasta dish. From the base of al dente pasta to the finishing touch of fresh basil, every component plays its part in crafting a sauce that is both rich and nuanced.
- Pasta: The foundation of this dish, fettuccine or penne provides a sturdy surface for the sauce to cling to, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly coated. Its neutral flavor also allows the sun-dried tomatoes and cream to take center stage.
- Olive oil: A good-quality extra-virgin olive oil serves as the flavor-building fat for sautéing garlic and infusing the sauce with a fruity, slightly peppery undertone.
- Garlic: When minced and gently sautéed, garlic releases aromatic oils that form the savory backbone of the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil, these tomatoes bring intense, tangy-sweet notes and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
- Heavy cream: This ingredient turns the sauce reliably silky and luscious, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and rounding out the overall flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty depth and helping to thicken the mixture for ultimate creaminess.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch can introduce a gentle warmth, giving the dish a subtle kick without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all the other ingredients, allowing each component to shine.
- Fresh basil leaves: Added at the end, basil lends bright, herbal freshness and a vibrant green contrast to the rich sauce.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA
Gather your ingredients and let’s bring this pasta dream to life. Working methodically ensures the sauce develops maximum flavor and that you end up with a beautifully balanced dish.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use plenty of water and a generous pinch of salt to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will help adjust your sauce’s consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat. In a spacious skillet, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, so the garlic remains sweet rather than bitter.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for about 2 minutes, releasing their intense flavor into the oil and garlic.
4. Pour in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in the grated cheese and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired silkiness.
6. Season with heat and herbs. Add red pepper flakes, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the spice level to your preference.
7. Toss in the pasta. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, using tongs to toss everything together until each strand or tube is evenly coated and heated through.
8. Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top, and serve immediately while the pasta is at its creamiest best.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA
When it comes to serving this luscious pasta, the right accompaniments can elevate the entire meal into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re cooking for two or a dinner party crowd, these suggestions will help you create a complete experience that complements the pasta’s creamy, tangy profile.
- Crisp Garden Salad: Pair the warm, rich pasta with a bright green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp textures and zesty dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent sauce.
- Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Serve slices of buttery garlic bread or an herby focaccia on the side to mop up every last bit of the creamy tomato sauce. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or grated Parmesan on top makes it feel extra-special.
- Grilled Protein: For added substance, top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp. Season your protein simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, then grill until just cooked through to let the pasta remains the star.
- Wine Pairing: Enhance the dining experience with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied Pinot Grigio. Their acidity cuts through the creaminess, while supporting the tang of the sun-dried tomatoes.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA
Proper storage techniques will help you enjoy this flavorful pasta dish even days after cooking, ensuring the sauce stays creamy and the noodles don’t become overly sticky. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, texture, and taste.
- Airtight containers: Transfer leftover pasta into a tightly sealed container to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. This keeps flavors locked in and stops the sauce from drying out.
- Refrigeration: Store the sealed container in the coldest part of your fridge and consume within three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream and gently warm on low heat to restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
- Freezing: For longer storage, divide portions into freezer-safe bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Separate components: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing sauce and pasta separately. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy, giving you a fresher reheated meal later.
CONCLUSION
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta brings together the tangy intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, the luxuriousness of heavy cream, and the savory allure of garlic and Parmesan in a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. From the moment you simmer those tomatoes in olive oil to the final sprinkle of fresh basil, you’re crafting a meal that feels gourmet yet remains incredibly approachable, even for beginners. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll delight family or friends with a dinner they’ll rave about—no reservations required. Keep in mind that this recipe yields about 650 calories per serving, making it perfect for a cozy lunch or satisfying dinner.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your next kitchen adventure. Scroll down for a helpful FAQ section if you have any lingering questions on techniques, ingredient swaps, or troubleshooting tips. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes—drop your comments, questions, or feedback below. Whether you’re curious about adding more heat, wondering about dairy-free alternatives, or simply want to share a success story, let’s keep the conversation going and make every bite even better together!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Description
Rich, creamy, and bursting with the tangy goodness of sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta dish is a comforting delight. Perfect for any night, it’s a cozy meal that satisfies cravings with every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
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Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to heat through and release their flavors.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
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Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until well coated and heated through.
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Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Note
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil bring a richer flavor and softer texture.
- Adjust the heat level with red pepper flakes according to personal preference.
- Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the creamy texture and depth of flavor.
- Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
