This creamy pasta dish is packed with the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and is super easy to whip up! It’s perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
I love how the creamy sauce hugs each noodle just right. Plus, it’s a colorful meal that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even if you just used one pot! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: While penne is great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you love! Fusilli or fettuccine also work well, giving different textures to the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide extra flavor, but if you’re using dry-packed ones, soak them in hot water for 20-30 minutes to soften. You could also swap them for roasted red peppers for a different twist!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just note that it won’t be quite as creamy. For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast is a great substitute. Otherwise, Pecorino Romano can work beautifully as well.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Making a creamy sauce involves a few simple steps to ensure it turns out smooth. Start by cooking the garlic just until fragrant, then add the cream while stirring constantly to prevent it from boiling too hard.
- Keep the heat on medium to prevent curdling.
- Once you add the cheese, continue to stir until it melts completely before adding the pasta.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up!
These steps help maintain a velvety texture, so your dish comes out perfect every time!
Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra if sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed; if dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and mixing everything together. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (a little firm to the bite). Remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, toss the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their delicious flavor into the oil.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine the flavors. This is where the magic happens!
5. Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If you find that the sauce is a little too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to get it to the perfect consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat all the noodles with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
7. Season It Up:
Mix in the fresh basil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take it off the heat and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Your creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is ready to serve!
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and dig into this creamy, flavorful dish that’s bursting with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of basil. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Happy cooking!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a few hours in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, combine them in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to reheat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little cream or pasta water to regain the creamy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a vegan alternative, opt for coconut cream or cashew cream, which will still maintain a nice richness in the sauce.
