The aroma of sun dried tomato pasta wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone nearby. Picture this: a bowl of al dente pasta, rich with flavors, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with vibrant herbs. Your taste buds are already doing a happy dance!
As you prepare to dig in, memories flood back of family dinners where laughter echoed and everyone gathered around the table. This dish is perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings, promising an explosion of flavor that will make your heart sing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sun dried tomato pasta recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it a weeknight lifesaver
- The combination of savory and tangy flavors creates a delightful experience for your palate
- Visually stunning with its bright colors, this dish is sure to impress guests
- Perfect for any occasion, from intimate dinners to festive parties
Cooking this sun dried tomato pasta always brings smiles and compliments from friends and family at gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Choose your favorite type; I recommend penne or fusilli for great sauce adherence.
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Sun Dried Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality ones packed in oil for better flavor and moisture.
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Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a wonderful aroma and depth; don’t skimp on it!
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Fresh Basil: Use bright green basil leaves to add a refreshing note to your pasta.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate some fresh Parmesan for a nutty finish that elevates the flavor.
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Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start with boiling water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add salt generously as this will season the pasta nicely.
Cook the pasta: Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; you want it perfectly tender but still firm.
Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds—just long enough to wake up its magical aroma.
Add sun dried tomatoes: Toss in chopped sun dried tomatoes into the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they soften slightly. Your kitchen should smell heavenly at this point!
Combine everything: Once the pasta is done, drain it but reserve some cooking water. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with sun dried tomatoes and garlic mixture.
Mix in cheese and herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with fresh basil leaves. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.
Season and serve: Finally, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for that perfect hint of heat before giving everything a gentle toss. Serve immediately while it’s warm, garnished with extra basil if you fancy!
With each bite of this sun dried tomato pasta, you’ll find yourself smiling at how simple yet satisfying home-cooked meals can be!
You Must Know
- Sun dried tomato pasta is not just delicious; it’s a flavor-packed delight that’ll impress anyone
- The rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes combined with al dente pasta creates a mouth-watering experience that’s both comforting and gourmet
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your pasta al dente while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes to infuse flavor before mixing everything together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding grilled chicken, fresh spinach, or even feta cheese. Experimenting can lead to delightful new flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sun dried tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your sun dried tomato pasta truly shine, ensure you use high-quality tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor
- Don’t skip on seasoning your pasta water, as it’s key for taste enhancement
- Lastly, remember to save some pasta water for the sauce—it works wonders!
I once made this sun dried tomato pasta for a dinner party, and it vanished quicker than my dessert! The compliments kept rolling in, and I felt like a culinary superstar.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder; consider roasting them first for depth.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and load up on veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
What type of pasta works best with sun dried tomato sauce?
Penne or fusilli are great choices as they hold sauce well and complement textures perfectly.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with Parmesan cheese, this delightful meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Its easy preparation makes it a go-to recipe that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Combine drained pasta with the tomato-garlic mixture in the skillet.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Season with red pepper flakes and salt, toss gently, then serve warm garnished with extra basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
