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- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta shines with simple yet rich flavors. You start with pasta. I like fettuccine or penne for this dish. Both hold the sauce well and have a nice bite. Next, you need sun-dried tomatoes. Choose the ones packed in oil. They add depth to the dish. Chop them finely for easy mixing. Heavy cream brings a smooth texture. It makes the sauce rich and comforting. Grated Parmesan cheese is key here. It adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can use fresh or pre-packaged cheese; both work well. For a bit of aroma, minced garlic is a must. It adds warmth and flavor. Italian seasoning gives the dish that classic taste. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Don't forget the olive oil! It helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes. Lastly, fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish. They add a pop of color and freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delicious meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by preparing salted water for boiling. - Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute. - Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. - Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. - Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning next. - If the sauce is too thick, adjust it with reserved pasta water. - Toss the drained pasta into the creamy sauce. - Season with salt and pepper to your taste. - Make sure to incorporate all ingredients evenly. - Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh basil. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and add extra Parmesan. - For a kick, sprinkle with crushed red pepper if you like. To make the perfect cream sauce, focus on the right consistency. Start with heavy cream. It gives a rich taste. Stir it gently as it heats. This helps it blend well with the sun-dried tomatoes. If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps it become smooth and creamy. For sun-dried tomatoes, I recommend brands like Bella Sun Luci or Cento. They pack their tomatoes in oil, which adds flavor. When it comes to cream, look for a high-fat content. The higher the fat, the creamier your sauce will be. To avoid overcooking the pasta, keep a close eye on it. Boil the pasta until it's al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Check the package instructions for timing. Remember to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce later. For a lovely presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to add shine. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan for a rich finish. For a pop of color, add fresh basil leaves. If you want a kick, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper. This adds flavor and makes the dish eye-catching. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For a creamier sauce, fettuccine works wonderfully, while penne can hold the sauce in its tubes, making each bite flavorful. Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh Parmesan cheese for a richer taste that elevates the dish. Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creaminess. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding protein. Chicken and shrimp work great. Just cook them in the skillet before adding the sun-dried tomatoes. This adds a lovely texture and flavor. You can also add vegetables for more color and taste. Spinach wilts nicely and adds nutrients. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. Both mix well with the creamy sauce. If you want a lighter dish, try substituting heavy cream. You can use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. These choices keep the dish creamy without the extra fat. For those who are dairy-free, switch out the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also find good vegan cheese at many stores. For a healthier meal, choose whole grain pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if you have a gluten allergy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with pasta shapes. Fettuccine and penne are great, but you can try shells or farfalle. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a fun twist on the dish. To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in the flavor. Make sure the pasta is cool before you put it away. This will help it stay nice and tasty. When reheating, the best way is on the stove. Heat it gently over low heat. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps bring back the moisture. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it with a lid or wrap to keep it moist. In the fridge, this dish lasts about three to four days. If you need to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes have a rich, intense taste. If you choose fresh tomatoes, sauté them longer to develop flavor. You might need more spices to enhance the dish. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the pasta and sauce in separate containers to avoid sogginess. Reheat gently in a pan for best results. To spice it up, add crushed red pepper or chili flakes when cooking. You can also stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste and adjust to your liking. A white wine like Chardonnay pairs nicely with this dish. Its creaminess complements the sauce well. You could try a light red, like Pinot Noir, if you prefer red wine. Both options enhance the meal's flavors. Yes, you can skip the cheese. Use a dairy-free cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you can still enjoy a creamy texture in your pasta. This blog post shared a simple and tasty creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe. You learned about the main and additional ingredients needed, along with step-by-step instructions to cook it right. We discussed tips to perfect the sauce and variations to suit your taste. Remember, this dish is easy to store and reheat. It's perfect for meal prep or a special dinner. Try mixing in proteins or veggies for extra flavor. Enjoy making this delicious pasta dish!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Lower the heat and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream begins to simmer. Add in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes). If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  • Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and adding more grated Parmesan as desired. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a nice kick!
Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, sun-dried tomatoes