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A photorealistic shot of sun-dried tomato pasta in a white bowl, viewed from above. The spaghetti is coated in a vibrant creamy tomato sauce with flecks of basil.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta (Creamy, Easy, & Ready in 30 Mins!)

This creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe is your answer to a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It's packed with savory flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few simple pantry staples.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large Skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the fresh basil and serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Tip 1: Don't skip reserving the pasta water! It's the key to making the sauce perfectly creamy and helps it cling to the pasta.
Tip 2: For a protein boost, add 1 lb of cooked chicken breast or sautéed shrimp to the sauce with the pasta.
Tip 3: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little bit of heat.
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