Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienned); 3 tablespoons olive oil (or use oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat); Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish; Cooked chicken (shrimp, or sausage for protein); Toasted pine nuts for texture; Lemon zest for brightness

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Intro

There are some meals that just hit the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, and for me, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly that. I remember the first time I made it in my tiny kitchen, the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil mingling with the sweet, tangy scent of sun-dried tomatoes—it was intoxicating.

By the time the pasta was perfectly al dente and tossed in that creamy, flavorful sauce, I realized I had stumbled on a recipe that could transform an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience.

As a female chef, I love recipes that are deceptively simple but packed with flavor. This homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly that: a dish that feels fancy enough for dinner guests yet easy enough to throw together after work.

What is Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta?

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a pasta dish that features the sweet, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes combined with garlic, olive oil, cream, and sometimes a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs. The result is a rich, tangy, and creamy pasta that’s full of depth and comfort.

What makes this a classic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is the balance: you get the sweetness and tang of the sun-dried tomatoes, the nutty, salty notes of Parmesan, and the creaminess of the sauce—all coating tender, perfectly cooked pasta.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to a great sun-dried tomato pasta is layering flavor. The oil the tomatoes are packed in provides a base for sautéing garlic and onions, which then builds a flavorful sauce when combined with cream and a touch of pasta water.

Even simple pasta becomes extraordinary when it’s enveloped in this rich, savory sauce. It’s an easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe that doesn’t sacrifice depth or taste.

Equipment List

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
3 tablespoons olive oil (or use oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional ingredients:

Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for protein
Toasted pine nuts for texture
Lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. The kitchen will fill with a warm, garlicky aroma.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to bring out their concentrated flavor. If you want a slightly spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes now.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps with a slice of garlic bread or a light salad.

Flavor and Texture Experience

This pasta delivers a burst of tangy-sweet sun-dried tomatoes, a silky and creamy sauce, and tender pasta that holds the flavors perfectly. Each bite has layers of taste, and the fresh herbs elevate it to restaurant-quality.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty main course

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce
Can be prepared ahead and cooked just before serving for dinner parties

FAQs

Can I use dried tomatoes instead of jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Can I make this vegan?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Avoid boiling the cream; simmer gently and stir frequently.

Final Thoughts

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is the perfect balance of quick weeknight dinner and gourmet indulgence. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. From my kitchen to yours, it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.