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Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, sundried tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner