Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

There’s just something about the tangy, robust flavor of sun dried tomatoes that takes an everyday pasta dish to a whole new level. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a vibrant, feel-good recipe that bursts with Mediterranean flair—each forkful teams creamy sauce, chewy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic with ribbons of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s speedy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, making it one of those secret-weapon dinners you’ll want to make on repeat for every occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta comes together with simple, familiar ingredients, but each one has a purpose. From the bold tomatoes to the silky cream and bright basil, everything plays a role in creating a dish that’s layered, memorable, and oh-so-creamy.

• Sun dried tomatoes (in oil): These rich, tangy jewels provide the backbone of flavor, and the oil adds extra depth—don’t forget to use some in your sauce!
• Pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape; something with plenty of twists or grooves holds the sauce beautifully.
• Garlic: Just a few fresh cloves bring irresistible savory warmth that complements the tomatoes.
• Heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously rich and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a salty, nutty finish that brings everything together.
• Fresh basil: Vibrant and aromatic, it adds a pop of green and garden-fresh flavor to your pasta bowl.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up all the flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that are vital for drawing out all the other tastes.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your chosen pasta and cook until it’s just al dente—think tender, but with enough bite to stand up to the creamy sauce. Before draining, be sure to save about a cup of that pasta water for later; it’s your secret tool for perfecting the sauce’s texture.

Step 2: Sauté Sun Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of the oil from your jar of sun dried tomatoes in a large skillet. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and garlic, letting them sizzle and fill your kitchen with a bold, savory aroma. Cooking them together for just a couple of minutes softens the tomatoes and infuses the oil with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir, watching as it melds with the tomato oil, turning a lovely sunset-orange. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Mix until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a silky base that’s perfect for the pasta to soak up.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat every piece. If the sauce looks thick, just splash in a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess—this step is magic for melding and glossing up the sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Top everything off with a handful of freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Give it all a final gentle toss, plate it up, and prepare to swoon over the heady aroma and vibrant colors of your Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing touch of fresh basil ribbons or a few extra sun dried tomato slices takes this pasta from tasty to truly special. Shaved parmesan, a drizzle of the jarred tomato oil, or a dusting of black pepper adds both flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

Serve your Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a warm hunk of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus also make a perfect, colorful match.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, try portioning the pasta into shallow bowls and topping each with a swirl of extra sauce and a sprig of basil. Or, for a fun family meal, let people ladle the creamy sun dried tomato sauce over their own pasta, add their favorite garnishes, and dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch extra tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta if needed, though keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate a little upon thawing. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Give it a good stir (and maybe an extra splash of cream) after reheating to bring it back to its best.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. A quick zap in the microwave also works, just be sure to stir halfway through and check that it’s hot all the way through before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta without cream?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, swap the cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk. You’ll still get plenty of lusciousness, especially with the parmesan cheese and tomato oil in the mix.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

While almost any pasta shape will work, short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are particularly great at catching the sun dried tomato sauce in every nook and cranny. Long shapes like spaghetti add elegance and drama to your plate—use your favorite!

Can I add protein to Sun Dried Tomato Pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas blend beautifully with the flavors in this dish. Just add your cooked protein in with the pasta and sauce before serving.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, choose plant-based cream and parmesan substitutes. With so much flavor from the tomatoes and garlic, vegan versions are just as mouthwatering.

Is it possible to use dry sun dried tomatoes instead of those in oil?

Yes, you can! Just soak dry sun dried tomatoes in hot water for about 20 minutes to plump them up before chopping and using. If you do this, add a glug of olive oil to the pan when sautéing for that signature richness.

Final Thoughts

This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is one of those special recipes that’s both homey and a little bit magical—easy to throw together, yet every bite feels like a treat. I hope you’ll give it a spot in your dinner rotation and share it with the ones you love. There’s nothing better than a pasta night done right!