As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe combines tangy tomatoes with a smooth, rich sauce ready in just 25 minutes. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy nights or casual dinners, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Rich, tangy, and velvety pasta ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta offers a delightful blend of tangy and rich flavors. The sauce is smooth and luscious, making it a comforting choice for any meal.
Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The vibrant sauce perfectly coats the pasta, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Easy enough for cooks of all levels, this recipe elevates a basic pasta meal effortlessly. It’s a warm, inviting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Recipe Overview
Why This Recipe Works
Here’s why this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe recipe has become a go-to favorite.
Why We Love It
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple pantry staples and minimal fresh ingredients.
- Creamy texture without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, concentrated burst of flavor.
- Vegetarian-friendly and easy to customize with proteins or veggies.
- Pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes and side dishes.
Shop the tools used in this recipe
Key Ingredients
Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, slightly sweet and tangy flavor that forms the backbone of this sauce. Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes enhances richness and helps infuse the sauce with deeper flavor.
Gather these ingredients to create a luscious, flavorful sun-dried tomato pasta sauce paired with your favorite pasta.
Ingredient Notes
- For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes if available)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salt for pasta water
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Get 100+ step-by-step, printable recipe cards with lifetime access—no more endless scrolling through blog posts.
One printable guide · $19.99 · yours forever
Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a creamy, flavorful sun-dried tomato pasta that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tip
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it gradually to the sauce to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without thinning it out too much.
Success Tips
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up best with creamy sauces.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best melt and taste.
- Add red pepper flakes sparingly to balance creaminess with a touch of heat.
Ingredient Swaps
If you need alternatives or want to customize, consider these ingredient swaps.
Best Substitutions
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Use dried sun-dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water if oil-packed aren’t available.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
- Choose gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze creamy sun-dried tomato pasta?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated with a splash of cream before tossing with pasta.
Q: What pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Medium to large tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any pasta shape can be used.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s vegetarian but not vegan due to the use of cream and Parmesan cheese.
Storage Tips
Store your leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture for later enjoyment.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency.
- Avoid freezing as cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy.
- If freezing is necessary, freeze pasta and sauce separately for best results.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Sauce
- ☐ 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ☐ 2 tablespoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes if available)
- ☐ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ☐ 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ☐ 1 cup heavy cream
- ☐ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ☐ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ☐ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta
- ☐ 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- ☐ Salt for pasta water
- ☐ Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. -
2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot, then sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. -
3
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2 minutes to release their flavors. -
4
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. -
5
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. -
6
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. -
7
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Did You Make This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe?
We’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a rating and comment below.
