© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🍝✨ Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
1. Introduction
Imagine sinking your teeth into a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is the ultimate quick pasta recipe, designed for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant red hue and aromatic profile make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins: Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is limited.
- One-pot style: Minimal cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Bold flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes lend an intense, umami-rich taste that elevates classic pasta.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets with simple ingredient swaps.
3. Ingredient Notes
When preparing creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, quality ingredients truly make a difference. Opt for good-quality sun-dried tomatoes, preferably packed in oil for maximum flavor and moistness. The pasta should be al dente—firm yet tender—and I recommend using a high-quality compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer for roasting garlic or warming the tomatoes if desired. For the creamy aspect, heavy cream gives a luscious texture, but you can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Having the right tools makes cooking this dish much easier. A good Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer can help you cook garlic perfectly and reduce your overall cook time. Also, a trusty T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures your pasta won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
5. How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prepare your ingredients
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. As you wait, roughly chop your sun-dried tomatoes, and peel and mince a few garlic cloves. The aroma of garlic hitting hot oil when cooking is truly irresistible. Keep an eye out for a fragrant, slightly nutty smell—indication it’s time to add your cream.
Sauté and create the sauce
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant and just starting to turn golden—this should take about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes until they soften and release their oils. Pour in heavy cream, stirring steadily until it thickens slightly and coats the tomatoes evenly. This creamy sun-dried tomato sauce should be rich, aromatic, and vibrant red.
Pasta time
Add your al dente pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a splash of pasta water for a silky texture. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. The final dish should have a luxurious, silky sauce clinging to each strand of pasta and bursting with flavors.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use the pasta water: The reserved starchy water helps to loosen the sauce and make it cling better.
- Don’t overcook the sun-dried tomatoes: They should be tender but not mushy, releasing their best flavor without becoming soggy.
- Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of basil or parsley just before serving adds freshness and color.
- Adjust cream to taste: If you prefer a lighter sauce, add less cream or use half-and-half.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. For a protein boost, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. Want more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the dish’s heat and flavor profile.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from breaking apart.
9. FAQ
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream. The dish still retains its rich, creamy texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer excellent options that cook similarly and taste fantastic alongside this sun-dried tomato sauce.
What other ingredients pair well with sun-dried tomatoes?
Things like kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted peppers are excellent additions that complement the sun-dried tomato flavor.
10. Conclusion
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a shining example of an easy, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinner. With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, it promises comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try and elevate your pasta game—it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinner
A fast and creamy pasta dish infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, topped with Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and serve garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil with parsley for a different herb flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg