Irresistible One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Crafting a mouth-watering one-pot sun-dried tomato pasta promises an incredible culinary adventure that simplifies weeknight cooking.

pasta lovers will adore this streamlined dish packed with rich Mediterranean flavors.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with intense tomato notes, creating a seriously satisfying meal.

Quick preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking delicious comfort food.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly in a single pan, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fragrant herbs and tangy sun-dried tomatoes elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and experience how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality magic right in your kitchen.

One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: Simple Yet Delicious

• Prepare a mouthwatering meal with minimal cleanup, using just a single pot for the entire cooking process.
• Combine sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan for an intense, restaurant-quality taste that doesn't require complicated techniques.
• Easily adaptable for vegetarians, can be customized with additional ingredients like spinach or protein, making it a flexible option for different dietary preferences.

Pantry Essentials for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic short tube-shaped pasta that perfectly catches the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the pasta and creating a delicious sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture to the dish.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Deliver an intense, concentrated burst of savory and slightly tangy flavor to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty depth that complements the other ingredients.
• Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and aromatic herbs to elevate the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps to saute the initial ingredients and adds a subtle, smooth base flavor.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Optional garnishes that bring a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Prep

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Warm a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped garlic and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes.

Dance them around the pan for 2-3 minutes until their tempting fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Create Liquid Magic

Pour in vegetable broth with a confident stream.

Let it bubble and dance, then add penne pasta.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Stir occasionally, watching the pasta transform and soften for about 10-12 minutes until perfectly tender.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Perfection

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to embrace each pasta curve.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and cheese melts into silky ribbons.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Culinary Triumph

Lift the pot from heat.

Spoon into waiting bowls.

Crown with fresh basil or parsley.

Your Mediterranean masterpiece is ready to devour!

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful One-Pot Pasta

• Toast the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in olive oil until they release their rich, concentrated aroma before adding liquid for maximum taste enhancement.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption, creating a uniform al dente consistency throughout the dish.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the recipe's creamy, luxurious texture.
• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans directly into the pasta during the final minutes of cooking to transform this into a complete, protein-packed meal.
• Reserve some fresh basil or parsley as a final garnish to add bright, fresh flavor and a vibrant green color that elevates the visual appeal of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until heated evenly.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Perfect Sides for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the sun-dried tomatoes' rich, tangy flavor and cuts through the creamy pasta.
• Match with Crisp Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a zesty contrast to the creamy, savory pasta.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the meal's overall flavor profile and providing a perfect textural accompaniment.
• Complement with Herbal Side: Add a simple herb-roasted vegetable side like zucchini or asparagus to bring additional freshness and nutritional balance to the hearty pasta dish.

Creative Twists on Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne with gluten-free brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, ensuring the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein like white beans or tofu to make the pasta more filling and nutritious.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix in fresh oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired version that elevates the classic recipe with vibrant herb notes.

FAQs

• Are sun-dried tomatoes healthy?

Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with nutrients like lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories and can help boost heart health and reduce inflammation.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini that hold sauce well.

• Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It uses vegetable broth, pasta, and no meat ingredients. To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with plant-based cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

You can easily add protein by mixing in cooked chickpeas, white beans, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to enhance the nutritional value of the pasta.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta (One-Pot) Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds in this quick sun-dried tomato pasta, blending rich flavors with creamy textures. Effortless one-pot comfort promises a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 8 ounces (about 2 cups) penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Extras:

• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow them to dance and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil. Carefully introduce penne pasta, then lower temperature to medium-low. Gently simmer, occasionally stirring, until pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture, approximately 10-12 minutes.
3. Once pasta achieves ideal tenderness, incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle dried basil throughout the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cheese to melt seamlessly into the pasta.
4. Transition the pot from heat, preparing to plate. Artfully garnish with fresh basil or parsley, creating a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, ready to delight eager palates.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free penne pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to intensify their sweet, tangy flavor profile and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Reserve some pasta water as a backup liquid if sauce becomes too thick, helping you control consistency smoothly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 646
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg