Description
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender penne or fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. This simple yet elegant pasta recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal that comes together in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and broth, then stir in Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky and smooth sauce consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and additional basil as garnish.
Notes
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the most flavor and richness.
- For additional protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
- Baby spinach can be stirred into the sauce during the last minute of cooking for extra greens.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean-Inspired
