Sundried tomato pasta—a dish that dances on your taste buds, bringing together the rich sweetness of sundried tomatoes and the comforting embrace of al dente pasta. Imagine twirling your fork through a vibrant plate of golden noodles, each bite bursting with flavor, as the aromatic basil teases your senses. It’s like a warm hug from an old friend after a long day.
This pasta isn’t just food; it’s an experience that draws you into the kitchen with excitement. Picture yourself serving this delightful dish at a family gathering, where laughter fills the air and everyone is eagerly anticipating a delightful meal. With its bold flavors and inviting aroma, sundried tomato pasta is perfect for cozy weeknights or festive celebrations. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sundried tomato pasta recipe combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors and textures create an appetizing visual feast on your dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences and can be customized with seasonal veggies or proteins
My family was blown away when I served this dish at our last family gathering; there were no leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Use your favorite type—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work wonderfully for this recipe.
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Sundried Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality sundried tomatoes packed in oil for enhanced flavor and moisture.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
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Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the taste and richness of the dish.
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Fresh Basil: Add vibrant color and a burst of freshness with chopped basil leaves.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for a creamy finish that ties all the flavors together.
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Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some heat into the dish with red pepper flakes according to your preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Sundried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for another two minutes until they soften and release their savory aroma into the air.
Toss in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet along with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Use tongs to toss everything together gently until well combined.
Adjust Consistency: If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. The mixture should be creamy without being too soupy.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout. Serve immediately while hot!
Now that you have this delightful sundried tomato pasta recipe in hand, gather your loved ones around the table! Enjoy every twirl of those flavorful noodles as you create new memories over shared meals. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Sundried tomato pasta is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and textures
- The combination of sun-dried tomatoes with pasta creates a mouthwatering experience
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta while sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. This method ensures everything comes together seamlessly and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with adding spinach or grilled chicken for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sundried tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best sundried tomato pasta, use high-quality olive oil for richer flavor
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for perfect texture
- Adding fresh basil at the end brightens up the dish beautifully, enhancing its overall appeal
Sharing my first attempt at making sundried tomato pasta was a hilarious experience; I accidentally mistook chili flakes for dried herbs, creating a fiery surprise for my friends!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and add more seasoning.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Any pasta works well; however, fettuccine or penne holds sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit cheese or use a vegan alternative for creaminess.
Sundried Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sundried tomato pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that elevates your dining experience with its rich, sweet notes and aromatic basil. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this recipe combines al dente pasta with succulent sundried tomatoes for an unforgettable meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to impress your family and friends without fuss.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic; sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add Sundried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for two minutes until they soften.
- 4. Toss in Pasta: Add the drained pasta along with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to combine.
- 5. Adjust Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- 6. Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 270g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: To enhance nutrition, consider adding spinach or grilled chicken. Roasted red peppers can be substituted for sundried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.