Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

$- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Additional Parmesan cheese (optional) The main ingredients for this creamy sun dried tomato pasta are simple yet flavorful. First, choose your pasta. I love fettuccine for its wide shape, which hugs the sauce perfectly. You can also use penne; both work well. Next, sun dried tomatoes bring a rich, sweet taste. Make sure to chop them into small pieces. These tomatoes are packed with flavor, especially if you use those packed in oil. The heavy cream is key for that rich, creamy texture. It helps blend all the flavors together. Now, let’s talk cheese. Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. It melts easily into the sauce, making it smooth and delicious. For the seasonings, garlic is a must. Three minced cloves will add a nice aroma and depth. Olive oil helps with cooking the garlic and adds healthy fat. Dried basil brings a hint of freshness. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes for some heat. Lastly, use salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, don’t forget about garnishing! Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make your dish look fancy. Enjoy cooking with these simple ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions. Cook until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta but keep about 1 cup of the water. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell good, but be careful not to burn it. Then, toss in one cup of chopped sun dried tomatoes. Cook them for two to three minutes. Now, pour in one cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for two to three minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. After that, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well to coat all the noodles with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, slowly mix in some of the reserved pasta water. This will help you reach your desired consistency. Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. This allows the sauce to cling nicely to the pasta. The aroma will be amazing! To make your pasta creamy, use high-quality heavy cream. The fat content in heavy cream makes the sauce rich. Add the cheese slowly. This helps it melt better and makes the sauce smooth. Choose sun dried tomatoes packed in oil. These have more flavor than dry ones. For an extra kick, try adding a splash of white wine. This gives the sauce a nice depth and richness. Serve your creamy sun dried tomato pasta with garlic bread. A light salad pairs well too. For a fresh touch, use more herbs to garnish. Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and look to your dish. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for sun dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor and added moisture in your dish. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish when served on top. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your creamy sun dried tomato pasta easily. Here are a few tasty options: - Grilled chicken or shrimp adds a nice touch. - Cooked Italian sausage gives a hearty flavor. Adding protein makes the dish more filling and satisfying. You can grill or sauté the protein separately. Then, mix it into the pasta at the end. This way, you'll get a complete meal in one bowl. If you want to keep it vegetarian, consider these easy swaps: - Add spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients. - Substitute cream with a plant-based alternative, like coconut cream. These options keep the dish creamy while also enhancing its health value. The greens bring freshness, and the plant-based creams make it friendly for everyone. You can switch up the pasta shape for fun! Here’s what to try: - Use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. - Experiment with flavored pasta varieties like spinach or tomato. Different shapes hold the sauce in unique ways, making each bite special. You can use what you have on hand or try something new for a fun twist on this classic dish. To keep your leftover creamy sun dried tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. Aim to enjoy it within 3-5 days for the best flavor. If you want to save some for later, cool the pasta first. Portion it into small containers or bags. This makes it easier to reheat. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently in a skillet. Add a bit of cream to keep the dish creamy. When reheating, add a splash of cream. This prevents the pasta from drying out. You can use the microwave or stovetop. Just heat it slowly. This helps the flavors come back to life. Enjoy your delicious meal again! If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have a few good choices. Half-and-half works well for a lighter touch. It creates a creamy sauce but is less rich. Coconut cream is also a great option. It adds a unique flavor and works well in many dishes. Both alternatives can help keep your pasta creamy and delicious. Yes, you can prepare this pasta dish in advance. Cook the pasta and make the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat them together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or cream. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. To add some heat to your creamy sun dried tomato pasta, try a few easy tricks. You can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Another option is to include some sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also try a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. These changes will give your dish a nice spicy twist. This blog post covered a creamy pasta dish, highlighting key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned about essential flavors, adding proteins, and storage advice. In closing, remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Get creative with variations or toppings. Perfect this dish, and it will delight every time you serve it. Enjoy cooking!$

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnishing Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat all the noodles with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let sit for a minute for the sauce to cling to the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use sun dried tomatoes in oil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes