Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a comfort food dream that combines rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes with a velvety, creamy sauce over your favorite pasta. This dish is luxurious and indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as-is or with added proteins like chicken or shrimp. Ready to dive into a delicious recipe that’s bursting with flavor? Let’s get cooking!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and starting to soften.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter when overcooked.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Add Heavy Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
2. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The cheese helps thicken the sauce and adds a rich, savory flavor.
3. Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir to blend the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
4. Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, letting it thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

1. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt in the warm sauce. This should only take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat every piece in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Add Protein (Optional): If you’re adding chicken or shrimp, fold it in now so that it warms through without overcooking.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates, making sure to get a generous amount of sauce with each serving.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil on top and add more grated Parmesan if desired.
3. Serve Hot: Enjoy this creamy, delicious pasta while it’s warm and the flavors are at their peak.

Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are the best choice here, as they’re softer and more flavorful. If using dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water to soften before using.
• Balance the Cream and Cheese: Heavy cream and Parmesan create the creamy texture, but too much cheese can make the sauce too thick. Adjust as needed to find the right balance.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Al dente pasta holds up better in sauces and provides the perfect texture.
• Save Pasta Water: This trick is helpful for loosening the sauce if it thickens too much after combining with the pasta.

Recipe Variations

• Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for a more intense kick, or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture.
• Try Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a variation in taste and texture.
• Use Different Proteins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage are great options to add more substance to the dish.
• Swap the Pasta: While penne is classic for creamy sauces, any short pasta or even fettuccine will work.

Storing and Reheating

1. Reheat on the Stove: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through.
2. Avoid Microwaving: Microwave reheating can cause the sauce to separate; the stovetop is better for maintaining a creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as they can separate. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days.

5. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use a vegan Parmesan alternative, and skip any animal-based protein additions.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The rich creaminess, balanced by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, makes every bite a treat. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special occasion.

Yield: 4

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Print

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a comfort food dream that combines rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes with a velvety, creamy sauce over your favorite pasta. This dish is luxurious and indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as-is or with added proteins like chicken or shrimp. Ready to dive into a delicious recipe that’s bursting with flavor? Let’s get cooking!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.

Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.