Luscious Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe For Dinner

Twirling forks through a comforting garlic sun-dried tomato pasta promises pure culinary magic.

Vibrant and rich flavors dance across each perfectly coated noodle.

The creamy sauce brings unexpected depth to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Fragrant garlic mingles seamlessly with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating an irresistible harmony.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly extraordinary.

Fresh herbs add a bright, final touch that elevates every single bite.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this mouthwatering pasta creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation of the dish, choose a shape like penne or linguine that holds sauce beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Delivers rich, smooth base for sautéing with smooth Mediterranean character.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic punch and depth to the entire sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle spicy warmth that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings concentrated sweet-tangy flavor with vibrant Mediterranean essence.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious creaminess and sharp salty undertones.

• Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into silky, luxurious coating that embraces pasta perfectly.
• Fresh Basil: Provides bright, herbaceous freshness as final garnish.
• Salt, Pepper: Critical for balancing and enhancing all underlying flavors.

What Tools You’ll Want For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for making the creamy sauce and combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing pasta without scratching the pan.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure pasta water and cream accurately.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Knife: For chopping fresh basil and preparing ingredients.

How To Make Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a big pot, fill it with water, and sprinkle in some salt. Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Scoop out a bit of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help make your sauce super smooth.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm up some olive oil in a skillet and add minced garlic with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let those aromatics dance around for a minute, filling your kitchen with an incredible scent. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle and release their intense flavor.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a luxurious, silky sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure each strand gets coated in the luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

• Garnish and Serve

Plate up your pasta immediately. Sprinkle some fresh basil on top and add extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal straight from your own kitchen!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Quick Garlic Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore smooth, glossy texture.
• Low-Carb Pasta Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that keeps the rich flavor profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, vegan-friendly version that maintains the recipe's luxurious texture.

Ways To Serve Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this pasta into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the rich cream sauce and enhances the garlic and tomato flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the creamy pasta dish.

Keep Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta For Later

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare pasta sauce ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, saving precious cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Freezing Wisdom: Cool the sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Pasta Storage Trick: Keep cooked and sauced pasta separately to prevent soggy noodles. Refrigerate pasta and sauce in separate containers, mixing just before reheating to maintain perfect consistency.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Gently warm the sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore its original creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

Silky Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent sun-dried tomato garlic pasta brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Creamy sauce, aromatic herbs, and rich ingredients combine for a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or favorite shape)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar, if possible)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for one minute, releasing their intense fragrance and creating a flavor base.
3. Tomato Integration: Fold sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to soften and infuse the developing sauce with their concentrated, tangy essence.
4. Sauce Development: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, guiding it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy emulsion.
5. Pasta Fusion: Introduce the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure complete and even coating. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
6. Texture Refinement: Modify sauce consistency by gradually incorporating reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clinging sauce that embraces each pasta strand.
7. Final Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s the secret weapon for creating a silky, perfectly balanced sauce that clings beautifully to noodles.
• Garlic Precision: Mince garlic finely and avoid burning by cooking it briefly over medium heat, ensuring a fragrant base without bitter undertones that can ruin the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
• Cream Control: Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, luxurious sauce that integrates seamlessly with Parmesan and other ingredients.
• Dietary Flexibility: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate various dietary needs without compromising the dish’s rich, creamy essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg