Description
Indulge in the rich, tangy flavors of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a dish that combines the sweet and savory essence of sun-dried tomatoes with a luscious, creamy sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, concentrated flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the smoothness of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. This pasta is a perfect marriage of comfort and sophistication, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of umami, enhanced by the creamy sauce and complemented by your favorite pasta. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your pasta rotation.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best for this dish.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil: These bring a deep, tangy flavor to the sauce. Make sure they’re drained and chopped.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth to the dish.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water: This helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
- Optional add-ins: You can include cooked chicken, shrimp, spinach, or even mushrooms for extra flavor.
Instructions
STEP 1: COOK THE PASTA
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water (if you prefer to use this instead of chicken broth to thin the sauce).
STEP 2: SAUTE THE SUN-DRIED TOMATOES AND GARLIC
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step releases the rich flavors of the tomatoes and garlic into the oil.
STEP 3: CREATE THE CREAMY SAUCE
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir it in with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has thickened.
STEP 4: COMBINE PASTA AND SAUCE
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water or chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. Stir well to ensure every noodle is covered in the creamy sauce.
STEP 5: SERVE AND GARNISH
Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. For extra richness, you can sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 15g