Description
A rich and flavorful creamy sun-dried tomato pasta combining tangy sun-dried tomatoes with a luscious heavy cream and Parmesan cheese sauce, enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, with optional greens and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for added greens)
- Red pepper flakes (for a hint of spice)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add Greens: If using, stir in the spinach or kale at this stage, allowing them to wilt in the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Combine the drained pasta with the creamy sauce, mixing well to ensure all the pasta is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes carefully to control spice level.
- Fresh basil leaves add a bright and aromatic garnish enhancing flavor.
- Spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrition and color.
