Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience? This Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. With its luxurious, velvety sauce and intense sun-dried tomato richness, this dish promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta of your choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their flavors.
- Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the cream sauce has thickened, add in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- When the pasta is cooked to al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Ensure that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce!
Tips
- Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the most intense flavor. If they seem dry, briefly rehydrate them in hot water before chopping.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process—low and slow prevents burning and releases the most flavor.
- Reserve pasta water before draining! The starchy water helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce and can help adjust consistency if needed.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Fresh basil is crucial—chop it right before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
