Dinner Pasta

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red chili flakes; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Salt & black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese

August 30, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a luscious, flavorful dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a rich and comforting meal. The deep, tangy-sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes creates a vibrant sauce when blended with garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, it results in a dish that feels both rustic and gourmet.

This pasta is the kind of recipe that you can whip up on a busy weeknight yet also serve at a dinner party—it’s quick, versatile, and full of flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it takes the intense umami flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and turns them into a velvety, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s the perfect middle ground between comfort food and restaurant-worthy dining.

What makes it special for me is how quickly it comes together—ready in about 30 minutes—but it tastes like something that took hours to prepare. The slight tanginess from the tomatoes, creaminess from the sauce, and nuttiness of Parmesan are perfectly balanced. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Bursting with rich, savory, and tangy flavors.
A 30-minute recipe that feels elegant.
Uses easy-to-find ingredients.
Perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers (with optional add-ins).
Can be customized endlessly with proteins or veggies.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook pasta until al dente.
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Add cream, broth, and seasonings to make sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Toss pasta in sauce, garnish, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add Liquids & Cheese

Pour in cream and broth, stirring well.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).

4. Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add cooked pasta into the skillet.
Toss well until pasta is fully coated in sauce.
Add reserved pasta water if sauce needs thinning.

5. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
Top with extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot).
Can be served as a main course or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for maximum flavor.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded).
Save pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce.
For extra creaminess, blend some sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce before adding pasta.

Variations

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – Add sliced grilled or pan-seared chicken.
Shrimp Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta – Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Version – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Vegan Option – Use cashew cream or coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
Spicy Version – Double the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (for Parmesan)

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that belongs in every pasta lover’s recipe collection. It combines the bold, tangy-sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with creamy Parmesan sauce, resulting in a comforting meal that feels like dining in Italy.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a romantic dinner, or a special gathering, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its versatility and gourmet feel, this pasta is truly a must-try dish that you’ll come back to again and again.

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