Irresistible Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

There’s something magical about a bowl of sun dried tomato pasta that can pull you out of a bad day faster than a double espresso. The way the sun-dried tomatoes burst with flavor, mingling with creamy sauce and al dente pasta, is like a warm hug for your taste buds. You’ll find yourself twirling forkfuls of this dish, happily lost in its rich aromas and vibrant colors that seem to dance on your plate.

I remember the first time I made sun dried tomato pasta for my friends. They walked into the kitchen, eyes wide and stomachs rumbling, convinced they were about to witness a culinary disaster. But as the fragrant steam wafted into the air, their skepticism turned into eager anticipation. This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I once served this dish at a dinner party, and my friends practically licked their plates clean.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Any pasta you love will do; I prefer penne as it holds sauce beautifully.

• Sun Dried Tomatoes: Look for quality ones packed in oil; they add rich flavor and moisture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic kick that makes everything better.

• Cream: Use heavy cream for richness; it creates the dreamy sauce that ties everything together.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the flavor; don’t skimp on this!

• Fresh Basil: Adds freshness and color; use as much as your heart desires!

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances flavors and adds richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these simple ingredients are key to bringing out flavors.

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. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while reserving some cooking water.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—be careful not to burn it! Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes next.

Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, stirring well until heated through. Let it simmer gently while adding salt and pepper to taste—this combo creates pure magic!

Add Pasta & Cheese: Stir in the cooked pasta along with grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is coated in luscious creaminess; if it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

Finish with Fresh Basil: Off heat, toss in freshly chopped basil. This adds color and fresh flavor; who doesn’t love vibrant greens?

Strongly consider serving immediately while hot!

Enjoy your sun dried tomato pasta adventure! Your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while preparing the sun-dried tomato sauce. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly and saves time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add spinach for extra nutrition. Your creativity can elevate this dish in delightful ways.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where everyone went back for seconds—my friends still joke about it!

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for sun dried tomato pasta?

Any pasta shape works, but fettuccine or penne are particularly good at holding sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work well but will require more cooking time to develop flavor.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go!

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of sun-dried tomato pasta, a dish that combines tangy tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful dining experience. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Vibrant colors and aromatic ingredients create an eye-catching plate that will impress your family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water.
2. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute) before adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and let simmer gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta & Cheese: Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing well until coated in sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
5. Finish with Basil: Off heat, stir in freshly chopped basil for added flavor and freshness. Serve immediately while hot!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add spinach for a nutritious twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.