Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta! This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy to whip up and bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made it for a group of friends; their faces lit up with every creamy, tangy bite. It’s rich, velvety, and the sun-dried tomatoes add that perfect punch of sweetness and texture. Honestly, this pasta is like a warm hug on a plate! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy date night, it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!

Ingredients List

You’re going to love how simple and straightforward this ingredient list is! Each item plays a crucial role in bringing out the deliciousness of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Here’s what you need:

8 oz pasta: Any kind you like! I often use fettuccine or penne, but spaghetti works just as well.
1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce incredibly rich and creamy. Don’t skimp on this!
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These little gems add a burst of flavor. You can use oil-packed or dry, just adjust your liquid accordingly.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
2 tablespoons olive oil: This is used for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich taste.
Salt to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way, so taste as you go!
Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick, just how I like it!

How to Prepare Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens. I’ll walk you through each step to make sure you end up with a plate full of creamy goodness. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to save a cup of that pasta water before draining!
Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it smells heavenly—be careful not to burn it!
Add sun-dried tomatoes: Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This will help them release all their delicious flavors into the oil.
Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. I like to stir it gently and let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up—yum!
Melt in the cheese: Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely and creates that luscious, creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Season it: Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. This is your chance to make it just right!
Toss the pasta: Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it all together until the pasta is well coated in that dreamy sauce. If it looks too dry, add a bit more pasta water until it’s perfect.
Serve warm: Plate it up, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Enjoy every mouthful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, creamy flavor that satisfies any pasta craving.
Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
Uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime.
Customization options galore—add protein or veggies as you like!

Tips for Success

To make your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it’s liquid gold! Adding a splash can really help achieve that perfect creamy consistency. If you like a bit of a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a nice heat! Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses; a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella can give you a wonderfully stretchy texture. And if you’re looking for extra flavor, a splash of white wine in the sauce can elevate the dish to a whole new level. Lastly, always taste as you go—this is how you’ll nail the seasoning and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is as delicious as it is satisfying! Each serving (about 1 plate) contains approximately 550 calories, 35g of fat, 15g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that can keep you fueled throughout the day. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my favorite tips to help you out.

Common Queries

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried? Absolutely! Just use about 1 cup of fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, and sauté them until they’re soft and juicy. They’ll give a fresher taste!

What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen it back up.

Can I add protein to this dish? Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms work wonderfully. Just toss them in with the pasta for a heartier meal.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly? While the texture may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a little cream or water.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to help loosen the sauce and restore that creamy goodness. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still is!

Serving Suggestions

To make your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta even more delightful, consider serving it with a fresh side salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly! You could also pair it with some crusty garlic bread for that extra indulgence—who doesn’t love to dip? If you’re feeling fancy, roasted vegetables or a light, lemony asparagus dish would balance the creaminess beautifully. Enjoy this meal, my friends—you’ll be savoring every bite!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: 7 Steps to Blissful Flavor

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
Serve warm.

Notes

You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes based on your taste.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta

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