Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Culinary magic happens when creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta meets your kitchen creativity.

Pasta lovers search for dishes that spark instant excitement and comfort.

Rich, velvety sauces can transport you to an Italian trattoria with just one bite.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple yet elegant recipe, promising a delightful dining experience.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly to create a memorable meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Your dinner table will come alive with vibrant colors and irresistible aromas.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delectable moment of this incredible dish.

Tips For Extra Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles, preventing dryness and adding extra flavor.
• Garlic Precision: Mince garlic finely to ensure even distribution and prevent burning. Low and slow cooking releases its sweet, mellow flavor without turning bitter or acrid.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, or add more for a serious kick that complements the creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain that cheesy, umami depth.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Chop fresh basil right before serving to preserve its vibrant color and intense aroma. This final touch adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Without Clumping

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth consistency.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce separate and become grainy.
• Freeze the pasta for maximum 2 weeks, but note that cream-based sauces may slightly change texture upon thawing.
• For best quality, consume within the first few days of preparation.

Great Matches For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy, garlicky pasta with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness of the sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes' tangy sweetness.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a bright side of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. The zesty salad will balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a fresh contrast to the rich, garlic-infused dish.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted ciabatta or rustic sourdough brushed with olive oil and herbs. The crunchy bread will soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: End the dining experience with a light, palate-cleansing lemon or orange sorbet. This refreshing dessert will wash away the creamy richness and leave a clean, bright finish.

Ways To Switch Up Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Enhance the pasta by adding roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a vibrant vegetable-packed version.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform the dish by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier protein-rich meal.
• Spicy Herbal Adventure: Kick up the flavor with fresh chopped rosemary, extra red pepper flakes, and a splash of white wine for a bolder taste profile.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Replace cream with cashew cream, nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and use plant-based pasta for a completely dairy-free option.

FAQ Guide For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• What makes sun-dried tomatoes special in this pasta dish?

Sun-dried tomatoes add an intense, sweet-tangy flavor and chewy texture that regular tomatoes can’t provide. They bring a concentrated burst of Mediterranean-style richness to the creamy sauce.

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

No, fresh tomatoes won’t deliver the same concentrated flavor and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes are key to this recipe’s unique taste profile and provide a deeper, more robust tomato essence.

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce, creating a silkier, more cohesive texture. It’s a professional chef’s secret for making sauces cling perfectly to pasta.

• How spicy will this pasta be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild background heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or skip them entirely.

Why Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Feels Fancy And Fast

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this creamy, flavorful pasta in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a gourmet-style dish that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, but can be easily prepared in your own kitchen.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or making it vegetarian by using plant-based cream and cheese, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing meal.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan creates a rich, tangy sauce that elevates simple pasta into a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Ingredients List For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: Soft and tender base for capturing the creamy sauce, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fusilli.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid for adjusting sauce consistency and helping sauce adhere to pasta.

• Olive Oil: Smooth foundation for building flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep, rich flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Subtle heat and spicy undertone, adjust amount for personal spice preference.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy flavor that adds complexity to the sauce, packed with concentrated tomato essence.
• Heavy Cream: Rich and silky base for creating smooth sauce texture, full-fat version recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty element that helps thicken and enrich the sauce, freshly grated preferred.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds fresh contrast.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Steps To Cook Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Let the water reach a rolling boil. Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender with a slight bite. Scoop out a half cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. The reserved water will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Let these ingredients dance and sizzle for about a minute, releasing their intoxicating fragrance. Quickly add sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle in the pan for another half minute.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, watching it blend with the aromatic base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy embrace. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss and twirl the pasta until every strand is lovingly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. If needed, add more pasta water to create a glossy, velvety finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta immediately while it’s piping hot. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top and offer extra Parmesan cheese for those who want an additional sprinkle of decadence. Serve right away and watch your guests swoon with delight.

Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent garlic sun-dried tomato pasta promises a Mediterranean flavor explosion that whispers comfort and luxury. Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a rich, creamy experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, if possible)
• 13 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 12 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, allowing it to reach a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it achieves a perfectly tender yet firm texture, carefully preserving a portion of the starchy liquid before draining.
2. Activate a skillet over medium heat, introducing olive oil as the foundation. Infuse the environment with minced garlic and a whisper of red pepper flakes, creating an aromatic landscape that develops complexity for approximately one minute.
3. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the fragrant base, allowing them to meld and release their concentrated essence for a brief interlude.
4. Cascade heavy cream into the skillet, guiding the mixture to a gentle, undulating simmer. Introduce grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese dissolves into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, choreographing a graceful toss that ensures each strand becomes lavishly coated. Calibrate the seasoning with judicious pinches of salt and pepper.
6. Should the sauce require refinement, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally, creating a silken texture that clings seductively to the pasta.
7. Conclude by adorning the dish with fresh basil leaves and an optional cascade of additional Parmesan, then serve immediately to capture the peak of flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Opt for fresh pasta to elevate the dish’s texture and absorb the creamy sauce more effectively.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more intense flavor profiles.
• Choose full-fat cream for a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to catch more sauce in their curves.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice levels, making the dish mild or fiery based on preference.
• Create a lighter version by substituting half-and-half or Greek yogurt for heavy cream.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty undertones without risking bitter burnt notes.
• Transform into a vegetarian delight by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Elevate protein content by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container, gently reheating with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg