If you adore creamy pasta with a tangy twist, this Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. It combines the rich, velvety cream sauce with the concentrated, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, brought together by fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s simple to make yet feels incredibly indulgent, transforming any weeknight dinner into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is crucial for this Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe because each one plays its own important role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and a perfect sauce texture.
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice: Fettuccine is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but any pasta you love will work wonderfully.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil): These provide the dish’s signature tangy sweetness and richness in every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: A luscious base that makes the sauce silky and decadent.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and enhance the overall flavor with a fruity richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: This gives the sauce that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening up the dish.
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional): A fresh, herbal touch that elevates the dish just before serving.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your fettuccine or chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente because you want that perfect bite to complement the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and golden—don’t let it burn, or it will turn bitter. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring together to release their luscious flavors into the oil. This step is the flavor foundation of the whole dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, swirling occasionally, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with that beautiful sun-dried tomato cream sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and bring a silky consistency that clings perfectly to each strand.
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a fragrant herbal freshness that brightens this rich dish. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving for an added cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully as a side, cutting through the creamy sauce with fresh acidity. Garlic bread or a simple toasted baguette is also stellar for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate—because you won’t want to waste a drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top. You can also add toasted pine nuts or a few drops of chili oil if you want a spicy kick or extra textural contrast that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta is just as delicious the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken overnight but will loosen right back up when reheated gently.
Freezing
While fresh cream sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the cooked pasta separately without the sauce for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore that luscious sauce consistency. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauce smooth and avoid splitting.
FAQs
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of the ones in oil?
Absolutely! Just be sure to soak dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before chopping and adding to the sauce. This helps soften them and brings out their full flavor without drying out your sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine is a classic pairing because of its wide shape that grabs the creamy sauce well. However, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work beautifully, depending on your pasta preference.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make fantastic additions. Add the protein towards the end of cooking to keep everything hot and flavorful.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?
Simmer the cream gently without boiling vigorously, and stir frequently. Adding the Parmesan cheese slowly while the sauce is warm helps thicken it evenly and minimizes the risk of separation.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game with simple pantry ingredients. The blend of creamy sauce and the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes makes every bite feel like a cozy celebration. Give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with a luscious creamy sauce and tender fettuccine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings Italian flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes to release their flavors into the oil and garlic.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat each strand evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavorful results.
- Reserving pasta water helps thin out the sauce without losing flavor.
- Feel free to swap fettuccine for your favorite pasta shape.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely fresh aroma but is optional.
