If you are craving a dish that brings together luscious cream, vibrant flavors, and a hint of rustic charm, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s everything you want in a comforting pasta meal: silky sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil that bursts with color and fragrance. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with a richness and warmth that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this dish truly shine. Each one plays a crucial role in building that deeply flavorful, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every pasta strand. From sun-dried tomatoes that add tang and chewiness to creamy Parmesan that melts into a velvety finish, these components bring balance and brightness to the meal.
- 12 oz pasta of your choice: Penne or fettuccine work beautifully to hold on to every bit of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing flavors.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped: These give the dish its signature tang and chewy texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy body of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds balance and lightness, preventing the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a little spicy warmth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, savory richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite.
- Extra grated Parmesan and basil leaves for garnish: Adds an appealing visual and flavor pop when serving.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta in plenty of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm but tender. This step is key because the pasta will soak up the creamy sauce, and you want it to have a little bite to complement the softness of the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Let them cook for a minute or two until their aromas fill your kitchen. This short sauté softens the tomatoes and brings out their rich, concentrated flavor, which is the heart of this recipe.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream followed by the broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then lower the heat so everything combines slowly, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop complexity. This simmering creates that silky texture that makes the pasta so irresistible.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. This is where you personalize the dish—whether you like a little spicy warmth or just the perfect balance of savory flavors.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts completely. This step turns your sauce into a rich masterpiece, combining creaminess with a tangy, salty depth that makes every forkful unforgettable.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Let it warm together for a few more minutes so the pasta can absorb some of those beautiful sun-dried tomato flavors.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves for a fragrant herbal note. The basil adds vibrant color and that fresh pop that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Garnishes
Serve right away, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves for an eye-catching presentation and extra flavor boosts.
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra Parmesan and fresh basil are all you need to elevate this dish visually and tastefully. The cheese adds a sharp contrast to the creamy sauce, while the basil brings herbal freshness that awakens your palate.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. The crunch and acidity from sides balance the richness and make the meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls and drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. For a party, consider plating individual portions in mini pasta nests garnished with basil leaves and a small Parmesan crisp for a stunning touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making for an enjoyable second serving.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta can sometimes alter texture, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe freezes reasonably well. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This method helps maintain the creamy consistency while warming the dish evenly.
FAQs
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
Yes, but you’ll want to rehydrate them in warm water before chopping to avoid dryness and to help them integrate smoothly into the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still deliciously creamy.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fettuccine, and even rigatoni are great choices because their shapes hold onto the sauce well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta!
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavor without overpowering it. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon are tasty additions that pair wonderfully with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about cooking a meal that feels both elegant and effortlessly comforting. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of dish — rich, flavorful, and filled with fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful creamy sun-dried tomato pasta made with tender pasta tossed in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (150g) sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Season the Sauce: Add red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce, adjusting to taste.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving some leaves for garnish.
- Serve: Serve the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine that hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if desired.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
