This creamy pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes is a quick delight! It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, stir in cream and tomatoes, and you’re ready to enjoy a bowl of yum. It’s my go-to for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne pasta: This type of pasta holds the sauce well. You can swap it for rigatoni or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the jarred kind in oil for extra flavor and easy chopping. If you have dried sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate them in hot water first.
Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you’re looking for dairy-free options. Just keep an eye on the sauce thickness!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. You could use Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or simply skip it for a lighter dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Creamy Sauce Doesn’t Curdle?
It’s essential to heat the cream gently to avoid curdling. Here are some tips:
- Always cook the sauce on medium to low heat.
- Add cream after the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes have cooked.
- Stir constantly when adding cheese to help it melt smoothly.
- Take the sauce off the heat before tossing in the pasta to prevent overcooking.
This sauce is meant to be creamy and smooth, and following these tips will ensure perfect results every time!
Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- For The Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For The Veggies:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have a delicious creamy pasta ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring regularly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, toss the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, mixing it well with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Cheese:
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, which should happen in about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat.
6. Combine with Pasta and Spinach:
Now, add both the cooked pasta and the baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve:
Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your rich and flavorful creamy sun-dried tomato pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you’re looking for a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Can I Add Protein to the Dish?
Yes! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions. Add them to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to heat through and incorporate the flavors.
