Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms a simple pasta dinner into a gourmet experience. The sweet, concentrated taste of sun-dried tomatoes paired with a rich, creamy sauce creates a balance of tanginess and indulgence that’s hard to resist. Each bite delivers a silky texture and bold flavor, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining.

This pasta is celebrated not only for its taste but also for its versatility. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to a variety of pasta shapes, from fettuccine to penne, ensuring that every forkful is loaded with flavor. Aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of Parmesan elevate this dish, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With minimal effort, this recipe proves that a few high-quality ingredients can deliver maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient	Quantity	Approximate Calories
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)	200 g	720 kcal
Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced)	100 g	140 kcal
Heavy cream	1 cup	400 kcal
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves	12 kcal
Olive oil	2 tbsp	240 kcal
Parmesan cheese (grated)	50 g	200 kcal
Fresh basil (chopped, optional)	2 tbsp	5 kcal
Salt	To taste	0 kcal
Black pepper	To taste	5 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the sun-dried tomato base
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes
   Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil.
4. Create the creamy sauce
   Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Incorporate pasta and cheese
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
6. Season and garnish
   Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving for added freshness and color.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Cheese variations: Mix in mozzarella or pecorino for different flavor profiles.
• Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add heat and depth.
• Vegan version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Extra veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers pair wonderfully with this sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	700–750 kcal
Protein	20–25 g
Carbohydrates	70–75 g
Fat	35–40 g
Sodium	Moderate

This dish is rich and satisfying, perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For a wine pairing, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the tangy sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQs

1. What makes creamy sun-dried tomato pasta so flavorful?

The concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes combined with garlic, butter or olive oil, and Parmesan in a creamy sauce creates a rich, tangy, and indulgent flavor that clings beautifully to the pasta.

2. Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rigatoni work well. The sauce sticks best to ridged or long noodles, ensuring each bite is coated in creamy tomato flavor.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the cream, or substitute with half-and-half. Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers increases fiber and nutrients.

4. Can I add protein to this pasta?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions that make the dish a complete meal.

5. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, with substitutions. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative to make a fully plant-based version.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a vibrant, indulgent, and easy-to-make dish that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Its rich, tangy flavor and silky texture make it a crowd-pleasing favorite for all occasions. With the flexibility to add proteins or vegetables, this pasta is both comforting and versatile, proving that a few quality ingredients can create a truly unforgettable dish.