• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cooktrove

Cooktrove

  • Home
  • Breakfast & Brunch
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Dessert
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Cooktrove
  • Home
  • Breakfast & Brunch
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Dessert
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Sun dried tomato pasta: just the name conjures up images of sun-drenched Italian hillsides and the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. But what if I told you that you could bring that taste of sunshine to your table in under 30 minutes? This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience, a quick escape to a world of culinary delight.

While pasta itself boasts a long and storied history in Italy, the incorporation of sun-dried tomatoes is a more modern twist, a testament to the ingenuity of Italian cooks in preserving and enhancing the bounty of their land. Sun-drying tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and umami, creating a flavor bomb that elevates even the simplest of dishes.

People adore sun dried tomato pasta for its incredible versatility and depth of flavor. The chewy texture of the sun-dried tomatoes, combined with the perfectly al dente pasta and a creamy, garlicky sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s easily customizable – add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious recipe!

Sun dried tomato pasta this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve the oil!)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup reserved sun-dried tomato oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein

Preparing the Sun-Dried Tomato Base:

  1. First, let’s get those sun-dried tomatoes ready. If they seem a little tough, you can soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them up. This will make them easier to blend and release even more of their delicious flavor. Drain them well after soaking.
  2. Now, grab your food processor or blender. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and the reserved sun-dried tomato oil to the processor. Pulse until you have a relatively smooth paste. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture is perfectly fine! This is the flavor bomb that will make our pasta sing.

Cooking the Pasta:

  1. While you’re working on the sun-dried tomato base, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt! It’s crucial for flavoring the pasta itself. We want the water to taste like the sea.
  2. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add your pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – that means it should be firm to the bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
  3. Before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! We’ll use it later to help create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
  4. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starch to help the sauce adhere.

Creating the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:

  1. Now, let’s build our sauce. In a large skillet or pot (the same one you used for the pasta is fine, just give it a quick rinse), heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning too much. We just want it to be sweet and fragrant.
  3. If you’re using white wine, now’s the time to add it! Pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor. The alcohol will evaporate, leaving behind a lovely, concentrated taste.
  4. Add the sun-dried tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. This will help to deepen the flavor and release its aroma.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil, or the cream might curdle.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
  8. If you’re adding cooked chicken or shrimp, stir it into the sauce now and heat through.

Bringing it All Together:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Make sure every strand of pasta is lovingly covered in that delicious sun-dried tomato goodness.
  2. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
  3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. The Parmesan will add richness and a salty, savory flavor, while the basil will provide a bright, fresh counterpoint.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil is also a nice touch.

Tips and Variations:

  • Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onion.
  • Make it vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut cream for a vegan version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Pancetta or Bacon: For a richer, more decadent flavor, add crispy pancetta or bacon to the sauce.
  • Goat Cheese: Crumble some goat cheese over the pasta before serving for a tangy and creamy twist.
  • Pine Nuts: Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them over the pasta for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • This pasta is also delicious served cold as a pasta salad.
Enjoy!

Sun dried tomato pasta

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This sun dried tomato pasta recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s a win-win in my book!

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience. The intense, sweet-tart flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes, combined with the garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream (or cashew cream for a vegan option!), creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s comforting, satisfying, and just plain delicious.

But the best part? You can easily customize it to your liking! Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Toss in some spinach or kale for a boost of nutrients. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Comfort: Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread.
* Light and Fresh: Toss it with some arugula and cherry tomatoes for a lighter, more refreshing meal.
* Protein Powerhouse: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier and more filling dish.
* Vegan Delight: Use cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a delicious and dairy-free version.
* Party Perfect: Serve it as a cold pasta salad at your next gathering.

I truly believe that everyone should have a go-to pasta recipe in their arsenal, and this sun dried tomato pasta is definitely a contender. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even a special occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

Don’t be intimidated by the simplicity of the recipe. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations. Trust your instincts, and have fun with it!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of sun-dried tomatoes for yourself. Once you taste it, I’m confident that you’ll be hooked.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think.

And please, don’t be shy! Share your creations with me. Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. I’m always eager to see your culinary masterpieces and hear about your personal twists on the recipe. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this sun dried tomato pasta as much as I do!


Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with garlic, Parmesan, and basil. A quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

Save This Recipe
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40
Yield4-6 servings
👨‍🍳By: Tessa
📂Category: Dinner
📊Difficulty: Easy
🌍Cuisine: American
🍽️Yield: 4-6 servings
🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Instructions

Recipe Notes

  • Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Add vegetables: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the onion.
  • Make it vegan: Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Pancetta or Bacon: Add crispy pancetta or bacon for a richer flavor.
  • Goat Cheese: Crumble goat cheese over the pasta before serving.
  • Pine Nuts: Toast pine nuts and sprinkle over the pasta.
  • Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine.
  • Delicious served cold as a pasta salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
→ Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
→ How long does this bread keep?
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ What if I don't have all the spices?
You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
→ Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

« Previous Post
Cheesy Taco Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Recipe
Next Post »
German Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

If you enjoyed this…

Dinner

Country Ranch Green Beans Potatoes: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Your Family Dinner

Dinner

Slow Cooker Korean Beef: Easy Recipe & Tips

Dinner

Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice: A Delicious One-Pan Recipe for Dinner

Primary Sidebar

Browse by Diet

BreakfastBreakfastDinnerDinnerLunchLunchDessertDessertAppetizerAppetizer

Slow Cooker Korean Beef: Easy Recipe & Tips

Ranch Vegetable Dip: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Dipping

Crock Pot Mississippi Beef Noodles: Easy & Delicious Recipe

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Policy
  • Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Policy

© 2025 Cook Trove – All Rights Reserved Sharing timeless recipes and flavorful inspiration from our kitchen to yours. www.cooktrove.com