Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick, creamy pasta dinner with garlic, Parmesan, and lots of sun dried tomato flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights and ready in 20 minutes!
Need another quick pasta fix? Go grab Creamy Cavatappi Pasta, One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Orzo recipe and Creamy Gemelli Pasta next!
Any 20-minute pasta recipe is one I can get behind, and this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is definitely one of my favorites lately!
It’s creamy, garlicky, full of sun dried tomato flavor, and tossed with Parmesan for a simple pasta that feels a little extra, even on a busy night. (I mean, we all have those days when only creamy carbs will do, right?)
Since there aren’t a ton of ingredients here, this is when I like to reach for the good stuff, like fresh garlic, freshly grated Parmesan, and the oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes!
It’s also easy to fill out with sliced chicken, meatballs, or a hunk of warm artisan bread if you want to make it a little heartier.
What others are saying:
“This is my new favorite pasta recipe 😍 it is sooo good and comes together so easily. I added some bacon crumbles to it which was delish but this can stand on its own without any meat or veggie add-ins too. Love it!” Melissa
Key ingredients:
- Pasta: Any kind of pasta works here, so use your favorite. I love shellbows or lumaconi because all those little curves hold onto the sauce really well.
- Oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes: This is my first choice because it adds even more tomato flavor right from the start! Olive oil works too, but the jarred oil gives you a little bonus.
- Sun dried tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil, then drain and chop them before adding!
- Cream: Any kind of cream works, but a heavy cream gives you a richer sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: I really recommend freshly grated Parmesan if you can, since it melts in more smoothly and tastes better, too!
How to make this creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe:
This pasta is such an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner! Scroll down to the recipe card for complete instructions.
- Cook the sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings.
- Stir in the flour and cook until no white remains.
- Add the broth and cream, then cook until thickened.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
- Add the sauce and Parmesan to the cooked pasta, adding just enough pasta water so that it comes together.
How to store leftovers:
Store leftover Sun Dried Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce!
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat with a little water or cream so the sauce comes back together.
Serving suggestions:
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta works really well as a side with proteins that are simply seasoned, since the pasta already brings plenty of flavor!
I’d serve it with Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Juicy Roasted Pork Tenderloin, or Air Fryer Meatballs if you want to make it a more substantial meal.
If you’re serving it as more of a main dish, add a simple vegetable and some bread on the side. Roasted Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Garlic Bread all fit really nicely here!
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 225 grams pasta, (any kind — about ½ pound) I used lumaconi
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun dried tomatoes
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes, (drained, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic, (4-5 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup cream, (any kind – heavier cream will create a richer sauce)
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan
- reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook until no white remains.
- Add broth and cream and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add drained pasta and Parmesan to sauce and toss to coat, adding in as much reserved pasta water is needed to to thin the sauce as desired. Serve.
Video
Notes
- Add veggies. Sauté any veggies you like in the skillet before you add the sauce. This dish would be delicious with spinach, asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli florets, you name it.
- Make it meaty. Add to the meal by mixing in your favorite protein. Try cooked chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, ground beef, ground turkey, or cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Add toasted pine nuts: Sprinkle them on top for a little crunch and a Tuscan-style feel.
- Pasta swap: For more fiber and a heartier texture, you can use whole wheat pasta if you like.
- Swap the Parmesan: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different cheesy flavor, or use a vegetarian cheese if needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More easy pasta dishes you’ll love:
- Tomato Basil Pasta — a must in the summertime!
- Chicken Penne Pasta — this one is always a hit with the kids.
- Pasta Carbonara Recipe — simple to make but so elegant.
- Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta — a reader favorite for good reason!
Alyssa says
This was so good. Definitely making this again. Kids and husband all gobbled it up.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Alyssa!
Mel says
This was delicious. I need to double the recipe next time!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Mel!
Chris Craig says
Made this on Friday night, it was delicious! I added mushrooms as well. Just had it for lunch as a left over and added grilled chicken, so good!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Chris! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Melissa says
This is my new favorite pasta recipe 😍 it is sooo good and comes together so easily. I added some bacon crumbles to it which was delish but this can stand on its own without any meat or veggie add-ins too. Love it!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Melissa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review!
Mia says
SUN DRIED TOMATOE PASTA.
OMG! THIS WAS JUST GORGEOUS! Everyone loved it.
I got Vegatarian hard cheese in Waitrose and used a veg stock cube. Thanks a million for the recipe!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Mia! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!