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
Scale
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.
