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
Scale
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.
