There’s something undeniably enchanting about a bowl of sun dried tomato pasta. The moment you twirl your fork, the rich, sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes mingles with the creamy sauce, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a warm hug for your stomach—cozy, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
I remember the first time I made this dish, my kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of garlic sautéing in olive oil. My family gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up as I presented the vibrant bowl of pasta. It was an instant hit, and since then, it has become our go-to comfort food for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special gathering, this sun dried tomato pasta never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sun dried tomato pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavors are rich and satisfying without being overwhelming
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with various proteins or enjoyed on its own
Every time I serve this dish, my friends and family rave about how delicious it is. Each bite evokes smiles and compliments that linger long after the plates are empty.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: I usually use penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto sauce beautifully.
Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed ones for extra flavor; they add richness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will bring out a wonderful aroma when sautéed.
Heavy Cream: This gives your sauce a luscious texture that coats every noodle perfectly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty depth that balances the sweetness of tomatoes.
Fresh Basil: Use it at the end for a burst of color and flavor; it brightens up the dish.
Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavors; choose extra virgin for its robust taste.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all other flavors; season generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about one minute should do!
Add Sun Dried Tomatoes: Toss in those delightful sun dried tomatoes into the skillet. Sauté them with garlic until they soften slightly—this will take about two minutes.
Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Bring this mixture to a simmer so it thickens slightly—this should take about three minutes.
Toss in Cheese & Season: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste; adjust according to preference.
Add Pasta & Garnish: Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Finish with fresh basil sprinkled on top before serving.
Enjoy this comforting sun dried tomato pasta fresh from the skillet! Your kitchen will smell heavenly as you dig into this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- Sun dried tomato pasta is not just about flavor; it’s a quick dish that impresses
- With vibrant colors and rich aromas, it captures hearts and taste buds alike
- Perfect for busy weeknights but fancy enough for dinner parties, this dish never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta while sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time, maximizing flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of feta or fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect sun dried tomato pasta, remember</strong>: use quality olive oil for flavor, avoid overcooking pasta, and incorporate fresh herbs at the end for brightness
- These simple tips can transform your dish into a culinary masterpiece
Sharing a memorable moment when I served this dish at a family gathering, everyone went back for seconds! The smiles were priceless and confirmed my love for cooking.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can work, but they won’t provide the same intense flavor.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but penne or spaghetti are popular choices.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for texture.
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, delivering an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more. With its vibrant colors and satisfying texture, this pasta dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, sautéing for an additional 2 minutes until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and blended smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
