Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Name: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe! It’s become a staple in my home for its rich flavors and quick preparation. I appreciate how the sun-dried tomatoes enhance the dish, providing a burst of umami with every bite. The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta, making it satisfying without being overly heavy. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can create something so deliciously indulgent, and it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends alike.

Created by

Ophelia Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:00:37.640Z

When I first tried making Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, I was amazed at how the sun-dried tomatoes transformed the dish. Their intense flavor combined with the creaminess of the sauce creates a delightful balance. I recommend letting the mixture simmer for a few extra minutes; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in an even richer sauce.

Another tip I've learned is to use good-quality pasta. The texture and flavor of the pasta can elevate your entire dish. I prefer fettuccine for this recipe, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best results!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops every piece of pasta
Intense flavor from sun-dried tomatoes elevates the dish
Quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Understanding the Role of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are a key player in this recipe, offering a concentrated burst of flavor that elevates the creaminess of the sauce. They bring a sweet yet tangy profile, which balances beautifully with the richness of the heavy cream. To ensure the best flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, as the oil enhances the overall dish while adding a subtle richness.

When preparing your sun-dried tomatoes, consider chopping them into small pieces to better distribute their flavor throughout the sauce. If you can't find sun-dried tomatoes in oil, feel free to use dry ones; just soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they soften before using them in the recipe.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

Creating the creamy sauce is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is vital. Start by sautéing the garlic gently over medium heat until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant bitter taste. After adding the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking them briefly (around a minute) helps release their flavors into the oil, making the sauce even more robust.

Once you incorporate the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer is critical. Watch for small bubbles forming around the edges of the skillet, which indicates that the cream is heating properly. Adding the Parmesan cheese at this point creates a silky finish; stir until it is fully melted and the sauce reaches a glossy consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of pasta cooking water.

Tips for Serving and Storing

For serving, fresh basil leaves provide a wonderful aromatic touch that brightens the dish. To maximize flavor, tear the basil leaves instead of chopping them, releasing more of their essential oils. You could also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce.

If you intend to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and sauce separately. The pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, while the sauce can be refrigerated for about a week. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently over low heat and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. Keep in mind that the cream sauce may thicken in the fridge, so adding a little reserved pasta water can help restore its desired consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delectable Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta:

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.

Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious plate of Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a splash of white wine when simmering the cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for lighter options, consider using half-and-half in place of heavy cream for the sauce. While this will significantly reduce the richness, it still provides a nice creaminess. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can be a great alternative for a dairy-free option, lending a cheesy flavor without the lactose.

For those avoiding gluten, swapping fettuccine with gluten-free pasta works perfectly. Just ensure to monitor the cooking times since gluten-free varieties may have different cooking durations. Also, you could experiment with different types of pasta shapes, such as penne or bowties, which would equally hold the creamy sauce well.

Scalability of the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. Each ingredient can be multiplied by the number of servings you desire. For example, to serve six people, consider using 18 oz of pasta and adjusting the amount of heavy cream and cheese proportionately. Always ensure to have a large enough pot to cook the pasta to avoid overcrowding, which may lead to uneven cooking.

If you're cooking for a smaller group, feel free to halve the recipe. Leftover pasta can be stored as described earlier and has the potential to create quick lunches throughout the week, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to meal prep with ease.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, although you may need to adjust the cooking time and add extra seasonings to achieve a similar flavor.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp works beautifully with this creamy pasta. Just add it in during the final mixing stage.