If you’re craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is the answer. Bursting with creamy cheese, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You’ll love how the sauce clings to every piece of pasta, making each bite feel indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make.
Why We Love This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
There are plenty of pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out because it balances flavor, creaminess, and simplicity. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweetness and umami, while the mozzarella and parmesan create a silky, cheesy sauce that feels luxurious. You don’t need hours to make it; in just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. This dish is also versatile. You can adjust the spice, cheese, or herbs to your taste, and it works well as a vegetarian main course or a side to complement grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Ingredients for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
To make this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of fresh and pantry staples ensures a rich, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine if preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Small handful of fresh basil, chopped finely
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Making this pasta dish is easier than it looks. The key is to build the sauce step by step while keeping the pasta al dente.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is just tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but reserve one cup of the pasta water—you’ll use it to adjust the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to soften but not burn, as burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute until it’s lightly browned. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce perfectly.
Gradually add the chicken broth or white wine to the skillet while whisking continuously. This step ensures the mixture stays smooth without lumps. Once fully combined, stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the chopped fresh basil and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your liking. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. The result should be a creamy, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
How to Serve Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Serving this pasta is simple, but presentation makes it extra inviting. Plate a generous portion of the creamy pasta in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top and add a few fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
If you want to make it more of a dinner centerpiece, serve it alongside garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf to soak up every bit of the sauce. Because the sauce is so rich, smaller portions work well, making it easy to enjoy without feeling overly heavy.
Expert Tips for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
To take this pasta to the next level, consider these helpful tips:
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes: The flavor of the tomatoes makes a big difference. Opt for ones packed in olive oil for a richer taste.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps adjust the sauce consistency and allows it to coat the pasta beautifully without being too thick or thin.
- Cook garlic carefully: Burnt garlic will add bitterness, so sauté just until fragrant.
- Cheese matters: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated options.
- Adjust spice to taste: Red pepper flakes give a gentle heat, but you can increase or decrease them depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately: Creamy sauces are best enjoyed right away. If you need to reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Following these tips will ensure that your pasta is flavorful, creamy, and perfectly balanced every time.
How to Store Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
If you have leftovers, storing this pasta properly is important to maintain its creamy texture. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of cream or broth to restore its original creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the cheese to separate.
You can also freeze the pasta, though it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.
Variations of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
There are plenty of ways to customize this dish to your taste. You can add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it heartier and more colorful. For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli to change the texture.
You can also experiment with different cheeses—try adding fontina or gouda for a slightly different creamy flavor. If you like a little tang, a teaspoon of lemon juice added to the sauce at the end brightens the flavors beautifully. For those who enjoy a touch of spice, a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can elevate the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and parmesan.
How long does this pasta take to prepare?
From start to finish, this dish takes about 20 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance, but for best results, cook and toss the pasta right before serving.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer. For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water or more cream gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu are excellent additions to make it more filling.
What herbs work well in this pasta?
Fresh basil is classic, but you can also add parsley or a touch of thyme to enhance the flavor.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine if preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienned in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 small handful fresh basil chopped finely
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for about a minute until lightly browned.
- Gradually add chicken broth (or wine), whisking continuously until smooth. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Add chopped basil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and basil if desired.
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