Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy!

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors! With tender pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

The best part? It’s ready in just 25 minutes and is easily customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies!

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Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup (120g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnishing & Serving:

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or pan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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2. Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

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3. Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream.
2. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

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4. Combine Pasta & Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

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5. Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
2. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top.

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Expert Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – They have more flavor than dry-packed ones.
Save pasta water – Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
Let the sauce simmer – This enhances the flavors and thickens the sauce.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the pasta water – It helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Overcooking the garlic – Can turn bitter quickly.
Adding Parmesan too soon – It melts best in warm, not boiling sauce.

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Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta.
• Pair with a fresh arugula or Caesar salad.
• Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein.

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How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan.
• Add protein – Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
• Use different cheeses – Swap Parmesan for goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.

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What to Serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Roasted vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers)
• Caprese salad with balsamic glaze
• Crispy garlic bread or homemade breadsticks

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best, but any pasta will do!

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce separately and reheat with a little milk before mixing with pasta.

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Conclusion

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and packed with tangy sun-dried tomato flavor, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion! With simple ingredients and a 25-minute cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant date nights.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy pasta recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

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