Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta
Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta is a rich and tangy pasta dish featuring the concentrated sweetness of oil-packed sundried tomatoes blended into a luscious cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers comforting, flavorful pasta in about 30 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a special meal. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add aromatic and cheesy notes, making each bite satisfyingly creamy and bright.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free option available
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Garnish
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic and Sundried Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, add chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to release their rich flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and tomato mixture. Let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly over 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Reduce heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to fully coat each piece with the creamy sundried tomato sauce. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal aroma.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for richer flavor and easier use compared to dry-packed.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen and improve the sauce’s texture as needed.
- Do not overcook pasta; it should remain firm to the bite for best texture contrast.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may contain anti-caking agents.
- Add heavy cream gradually to control sauce richness according to preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, sundried tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner