This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is super easy and oh-so-delicious! The mix of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but twirl my pasta like a pro! 🍝 It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and you can whip it up in no time—great for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne pasta: I love using penne because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have penne, swap it for rotini or farfalle—both work nicely with this dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. If you’re out, you can use fresh tomatoes. Simply sauté them until soft, but the taste will be a bit different.
Heavy cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a blend of cashew cream.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. If needed, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Fresh basil: Basil really brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you could use a little dried basil, but fresh is always best for flavor!
How Do You Make the Cream Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Creating that rich, creamy sauce is key to this pasta. Start by sautéing your garlic to release its flavor, being careful not to burn it. The important part comes when you add the heavy cream; let it simmer gently to thicken before stirring in the cheese.
- Heat oil in a skillet and add garlic until fragrant.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in your heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer—this will help it thicken nicely!
- Finally, sprinkle in the cheese. Keep stirring until melted and smooth.
This way, you avoid any graininess in your sauce, making it perfectly creamy!
Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta and another 10 minutes to make the sauce and combine everything. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Make sure to save a little pasta water; this can help if your sauce needs to be thinned out!
2. Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to bring out their rich flavor and gives the oil a nice taste.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—watch it become creamy and delicious!
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. Don’t forget to taste—season with salt and black pepper to your liking!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat all the pasta in that creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to get the desired consistency.
7. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and green onions (if using), mixing well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout.
8. Serve Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with a few extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that lovely finishing touch.
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your easy creamy sun-dried tomato pasta! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
FAQs for Easy Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back the creamy texture if needed.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes! This dish is already vegetarian. Just be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your deliciously creamy dish without worry!
