Irresistible creamy sun-dried tomato pasta in under 30 minutes

Oh, let me tell you about this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta… It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, you know? The way the rich, tangy flavors combine in this silky sauce makes it so satisfying, not to mention, it all comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you wanna impress some friends – it’s just so… so good. Seriously, the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy evenings.
• The creaminess paired with the sun-dried tomatoes is just… irresistible.
• You can toss in some extra veggies or protein if you’re feeling fancy.
• This recipe makes leftovers taste even better (if there are any!).
• Everyone loves it—no special diet restrictions required!

My family fights over the last bite—it’s that popular!

What You’ll Need

• Pasta: 300g of your favorite shape, like fettuccine or penne, because they hold that sauce beautifully
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup will give that luscious texture we’re after
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 cup, packed in oil and chopped; they add such a rich flavor punch
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—because garlic makes everything better
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated for that cheesy goodness
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, just enough to sauté the garlic
• Fresh Basil: optional for garnish, but it adds a lovely touch
• Salt and Pepper: to taste, of course!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

First things first, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil… Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget! Reserve about a cup of that pasta water before draining—trust me, it’s gonna help later. Now, while your pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it starts to smell heavenly… but watch it closely, we don’t want it burnt. Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them linger in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until they soften up. Now, here comes the creamy part: pour in that heavy cream and stir it all together… Allow it to simmer a bit until it thickens—like, just a few minutes should do. Now, sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese… stir, stir, stir until it melts into that creamy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add your drained pasta, tossing it all together with the sauce. If it seems a bit too thick, gradually add in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s exactly how you like it. Serve it hot, and if you want, sprinkle fresh basil on top and more Parmesan… It’s just perfect!

Good to Know

• Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days—though good luck with that!
• When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce; no one wants clumpy pasta.
• Add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even spinach for a little twist!

Serving Ideas

• Pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for the perfect cozy dinner.

Top Tricks

• If you’re really short on time, use pre-cooked pasta—it’s a game-changer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will give a different flavor profile. Sun-dried ones provide that concentrated, tangy zing we all love here.

Can I substitute the cream with a lighter option?

Sure! You can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream, but just remember—it might change the overall texture a bit.

How can I make this pasta vegan?

Great question! Just swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative. Omit the cheese or choose a vegan version, and you’ll be all set!

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta you love will work, but I find that fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni soak up that creamy sauce really well.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days—just remember to reheat gently, you don’t want to dry it out!

Conclusion

The creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is an absolute delight… It’s a comforting dish that makes any day feel special. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s truly one of those recipes that brings people together around the table, sharing plates and laughter. You really can’t go wrong with this.

More Recipes Suggestions and Combination

Spinach and Ricotta Pasta

Combine sautéed spinach and creamy ricotta for a fresh taste that feels like spring on a plate!

Grilled Chicken with Pesto

Juicy grilled chicken tossed in a basil pesto alongside the creamy pasta makes for a protein-packed meal.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

Toss in some roasted veggies—zucchini, bell peppers—whatever’s seasonal, to brighten up this dish.

Creamy Mushroom and Thyme Pasta

Swap the sun-dried tomatoes for sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme for a savory, earthy twist.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Adding garlic sautéed shrimp takes this pasta to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Caprese Salad

Serve a fresh Caprese salad on the side, with mozzarella and basil, to balance out the creaminess.

Homemade Garlic Bread

And don’t forget the warm garlic bread—so perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce!