Bright, creamy, and perfect for busy weeknights, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. It feels special enough for guests but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep. Pair it with our chicken pasta recipe for extra protein.
Why You’ll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Bright, concentrated tomato flavor without fresh tomatoes
- Ready in about 30 minutes for easy weeknight dinners
- Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone loves
- Uses pantry staples you likely already have
Ingredients Needed
- Pasta: 12 oz spaghetti, penne, or your choice
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1 cup (chopped)
- Olive oil: 2–3 tbsp (from jarred tomatoes or extra-virgin)
- Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes to release their flavor.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine the flavors, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, tossing until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Serve with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad for freshness.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a protein boost.
- Offer crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any sauce.
- Serve alongside creamy caprese pasta salad for a picnic or potluck spread.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for finishing flair.
Tips for Success Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- If sun-dried tomatoes are dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to rehydrate and soften.
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds texture when tossed with the sauce.
- Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce without watering down flavor.
- Keep heat medium to avoid burning garlic; add tomatoes after garlic becomes fragrant.
- For meal prep, store pasta and any protein separately and combine when reheating.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
If you want a creamy side, try creamy street corn pasta salad.
Variations
- Add protein: stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage.
- Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Dairy-free: omit Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Veggie boost: toss in sautéed spinach, roasted peppers, or zucchini.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
A bright and creamy pasta dish featuring bold sun-dried tomato flavor, ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti, penne, or your choice
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (from jarred tomatoes or extra-virgin)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes to release their flavor.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine the flavors, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, tossing until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and cheese if desired.
Notes
For successful cooking, soak dry sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes if needed. Ensure pasta is al dente for best texture when combined with sauce.