Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that brings together bold, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a luxuriously creamy sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent but easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold garlic and sun-dried tomato flavor
• Ultra-creamy and satisfying without being heavy
• Comes together in just 30 minutes
• Customizable with add-ins like chicken, spinach, or mushrooms
• Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or cozy nights in

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• Olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional additions:

• Baby spinach
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Grilled or shredded chicken
• White wine (for deglazing the pan)

directions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
3. Deglaze and simmer: If using, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly (3–4 minutes).
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in any optional additions like spinach or chicken. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan.
• Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
• Spice it up: Use extra chili flakes or chopped fresh chili for more heat.
• Use a different pasta: Works great with short pastas like rigatoni or long ones like linguine.
• Add greens: Toss in spinach, arugula, or kale for extra nutrients.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

FAQs

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

Yes, just soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes to soften before chopping.

What cream works best?

Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream works too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth.

What wine pairs well with this?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great in and alongside the dish.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes! Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a touch more cheese.

Can I use plant-based cream?

Yes, oat cream or coconut cream works well for a dairy-free version.

What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?

Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni work well to catch the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. With its silky sauce, garlicky base, and sweet-savory sun-dried tomatoes, it delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a special meal for yourself, this pasta will quickly become a favorite go-to.

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