This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with easy ingredients, like pasta, cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that truly brighten your meal.
It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. I love to sprinkle some cheese on top for an extra treat—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using penne for its wonderful shape that holds onto the sauce well. However, feel free to substitute with any pasta you have, like fusilli or spaghetti!
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are great for extra flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes—just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes first to soften.
Cream: Heavy cream provides richness, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice cheesy touch, but you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Just remember, Parmesan is saltier, so adjust the salt in your dish accordingly!
How Do I Get the Creaminess Just Right?
Achieving that creamy texture takes just a few simple steps! Start by cooking your sauce over medium heat and don’t rush it.
- Once you’ve added the cream, keep the heat on medium-low; this helps prevent curdling.
- As the sauce simmers, it’ll thicken nicely. If it ends up too thick, just add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Make sure to stir in the cheese while the sauce is warm so it melts smoothly, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
Enjoy making this pasta—you’ll have a delightful dish in no time!
Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (preferably oil-packed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if sun-dried tomatoes are not in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach or fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 10 more mixing up the sauce and combining everything together. Quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to set aside about ½ cup of pasta water for later. This water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step brings out their flavor and makes them even more delicious!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the cream thicken up a bit for about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Once the cream has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, just add some of that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency!
6. Combine with the Pasta:
Throw the cooked pasta into the skillet along with the chopped spinach or basil. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that creamy sauce. It’s looking good already!
7. Season and Serve:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you want to be extra fancy!
Enjoy your quick and delicious creamy sun-dried tomato pasta!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like fusilli, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter option. Just be aware that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, so adding extra cheese can help compensate!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Sure! To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan. Just adjust your seasoning for flavor!
