If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent but never overly complicated, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. Picture perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and just the right touch of spice. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan that makes every bite sing. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and creamy goodness to your table with simplicity and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these ingredients together is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in creating the beautiful layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti): Your carb canvas, perfectly cooked al dente for texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar): Adds richness and brings out the sun-dried tomato’s depth.
- ½ cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: The star ingredient, giving a sweet, tangy punch to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Cozy, aromatic warmth that infuses the entire dish.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: The creamy backbone that makes this pasta melt in your mouth.
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savoriness and balances creaminess with a subtle broth flavor.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice): A gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds if you like a bit of kick.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: Herbal notes that tie everything together beautifully.
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: Shreds of salty, nutty magic to enrich the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Bright, fresh, with a lovely aroma that finishes the dish perfectly.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage: Optional protein to make this pasta a complete, satisfying meal.
- 1 cup baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms: Adds freshness and dimension with a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is key to seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly firm yet tender, also known as al dente.
Step 2: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain
Before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon that helps loosen the sauce later, blending everything together seamlessly. Once reserved, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly for just 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to burn it! Now add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Let those flavors mingle and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and thicken slightly into a luscious, creamy base.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the sauce, enriching it with its savory nuttiness. Season your creation with salt and black pepper to taste. Be sure to adjust little by little — the cheese already adds saltiness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated in that creamy, sun-dried tomato goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Ingredients and Serve
Fold in the chopped basil and any optional extras like cooked chicken, shrimp, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Transfer to serving plates or a large bowl, garnish with extra Parmesan and basil, then dig in immediately for a meal that tastes like a warm hug.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan never fails to elevate this dish. They add brightness and an inviting aroma that’s irresistible. For a splash of color, a few sun-dried tomato slices on top can also be gorgeous and flavorful.
Side Dishes
For sides, think simple and fresh to balance the rich pasta. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is great for mopping up any extra sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with microgreens or edible flowers sprinkled over. Or toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch contrast. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than when freshly made.
Freezing
While you can freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe, the texture of cream-based sauces might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, do so before adding fresh greens or protein; reheat gently and add those right before serving for best results.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream and stir often to restore that silky texture without drying out the pasta. Avoid microwave reheating when possible to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use canned sun-dried tomatoes instead of jarred?
Yes, but drain them well and consider adding a bit of olive oil to replicate the richness from jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. This ensures your sauce remains deeply flavorful and silky.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Any pasta that holds sauce well is great here. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully as they capture the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and omit the meat add-ins. Sautéed mushrooms or extra spinach add lovely texture and flavor, keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The flavor will shift slightly but remain deliciously creamy and rich.
How spicy is the dish if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle, warm heat without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit completely for a milder version that still has plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe enough for anyone who loves pasta with rich, comforting flavors that feel gourmet yet come together effortlessly. It’s versatile, satisfying, and full of those bold sun-dried tomato notes that make every bite memorable. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, it can be customized with your choice of protein like chicken, shrimp, or sausage, and fresh vegetables such as baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- ½ cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Add-ins
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, ensuring it has a firm texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil extracted from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Add Fresh Basil and Optional Add-ins: Stir in fresh chopped basil along with any optional add-ins like cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Plate the Pasta: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your creamy sun-dried tomato pasta while it’s warm and fresh.
Notes
- You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce’s consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
