Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible pasta dish that will transform your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience! 🍝🔥 This Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce pasta is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines creamy richness, bold sun-dried tomato flavors, and a perfect kick of heat that will make your dinner guests beg for the recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a gourmet Italian-inspired dish that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef – but with the ease of home cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the spicy sun-dried tomato cream sauce. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle 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, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them into the garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce, adjusting the amount to your taste for spiciness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, 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 sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Continue to toss the pasta in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes over low heat.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, and enjoy your delicious Pasta with Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Don't overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant, not burnt. Watch it carefully and remove from heat if it starts to brown.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you want extra heat.
- For a richer flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil instead of dried ones.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference compared to pre-grated cheese - invest in a good wedge if possible.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature - cream sauces can separate if left sitting too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 110mg
