Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. With its rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch of deliciousness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from their oil and chop them into small pieces.
2. Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely.
3. Chop Fresh Basil: Rinse and chop the fresh basil leaves into small pieces, discarding any stems.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon), and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Add Penne: Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir well to prevent sticking.
3. Cook Al Dente: Follow the package instructions and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
5. Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Making the Sauce

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor).
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld with the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine.
2. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth sauce.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the chopped basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors develop.

Combining the Ingredients

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Sauce

1. Add Cooked Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta to serving bowls or a large platter.
2. Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
3. Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish’s richness.

Suggested Pairings

• Salad: Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
• Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Wine: Enjoy with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the dish perfectly.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed Italian sausage for added protein.
2. Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
4. Different Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Tips for the Perfect Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh basil, high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, and real Parmesan cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water; it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and adds flavor.
4. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic and red pepper levels according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fresh basil into a simple yet elegant meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its versatility and delicious flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and flavorful dish!

Yield: 4

Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe

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Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. With its rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch of deliciousness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• For Serving:
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
   Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   
3. Add Cream and Cheese:
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, mixing until well combined.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Variations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for extra protein and flavor. You can also substitute the penne with your favorite pasta shape.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a more intense flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water or broth for about 20 minutes before chopping.