Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dish that delivers sunshine in every bite, look no further than Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. This recipe is a wholehearted tribute to sweet, tangy sun dried tomatoes wrapped in a silky sauce and finished with vibrant bits of basil and Parmesan. The whole meal comes together with dazzling color and Mediterranean flair, making it perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Every luscious forkful brings you deep, concentrated tomato flavor balanced by the richness of olive oil and just a hint of garlic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick dinner for two, Sun Dried Tomato Pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few humble ingredients transform into something so magical. Each one here is essential—not just for flavor, but also for creating the beautifully balanced sauce, irresistible aroma, and trademark look that makes Sun Dried Tomato Pasta unforgettable.

• Sun Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are the heart of the dish, bringing concentrated tomato flavor and a lovely chewy bite. Use oil-packed for best results!
• Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti, penne, or fettucine all soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For rich, fruity undertones and a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Just a couple cloves, sliced thin for gentle heat and aroma that rounds out the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a playful kick and slightly deeper warmth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a nutty, creamy finish that binds every component together.
• Fresh Basil: Torn or sliced, basil scatters summery freshness across each serving.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning to taste, making every ingredient sing.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Sun Dried Tomatoes and Aromatics

Start by draining the sun dried tomatoes if they’re packed in oil, reserving some of that flavorful oil for later. Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized strips and mince or thinly slice your garlic cloves. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the cooking process fun and utterly stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta just until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—the secret weapon for creamy, emulsified sauce later!

Step 3: Sauté the Tomatoes and Garlic

While the pasta cooks, set a wide skillet over medium heat and swirl in some reserved sun dried tomato oil plus a glug of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and, as soon as it becomes fragrant, toss in the sun dried tomatoes. Stir for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld and the tomatoes plump just a bit, infusing the oil with gorgeous color and aroma.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing well to coat each strand with that irresistible tomato-garlic oil. Splash in small amounts of the reserved pasta water, stirring until a glossy, slightly thickened sauce clings to the noodles. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and shower the pasta with grated Parmesan and lots of fresh basil. Give it all one last gentle toss—the cheese melts into the sauce, the basil perfumes every strand, and your Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is officially ready for its big reveal!

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan, a handful of torn basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. These simple garnishes add sparkle, fragrance, and that restaurant-worthy feel right at home.

Side Dishes

To build a complete meal around your Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, think big, leafy green salads dressed with balsamic, or a warm, crusty loaf of bread to mop up every bit of sauce. You could also serve it with roasted veggies or a platter of marinated olives for extra Mediterranean magic.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, twirl portions into little pasta nests and top each with a sun dried tomato and basil leaf. For potlucks or picnics, pile the pasta into a large serving bowl and let guests help themselves. A scattering of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of lemon zest can add extra flair and texture too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sun Dried Tomato Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even better than tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. While the texture of the pasta may soften slightly, the bold sun dried tomato flavor holds up well for up to a month.

Reheating

To bring leftover Sun Dried Tomato Pasta back to life, reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil until it’s warmed through. A quick freshening with extra basil and Parmesan works wonders for reviving all those lively flavors.

FAQs

Can I use dry-packed sun dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Absolutely! Just rehydrate them in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes, then pat dry and slice. You can add a little extra olive oil to make up for the lack of oil from the jar.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is naturally vegetarian as long as your Parmesan is made without animal rennet. For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply skip the cheese.

What kind of pasta works best?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, linguine, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta all work wonderfully. Just pick whatever you love or have on hand.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas can be stirred in for extra heartiness, making your Sun Dried Tomato Pasta a complete meal with very little fuss.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too oily?

Start with a moderate amount of olive oil and add only as much reserved sun dried tomato oil as you need for flavor. If it feels too rich, add a bit of extra pasta water to lighten the sauce without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s a good reason Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is beloved by home cooks everywhere—it’s vibrant, satisfying, and downright joyful to share. Give it a whirl the next time you crave something sun-kissed and full of flavor. Your taste buds will thank you, and you may just find it sneaking into your regular rotation!