Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Rich, tangy, and easy to prepare, it combines tender spaghetti with a luscious tomato cream sauce enhanced by garlic, herbs, and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 white onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 150 g sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
- 200 ml chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 300 ml cream (single or light)
- 200 ml water (to rinse out blender)
- 200 g spaghetti
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (1/2 tsp for each bowl)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a deep frying pan with a lid on medium heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add the garlic and onion, frying for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir in paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook until the onion softens.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, blend the sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato oil, and chicken stock until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan, then add the cream and 200 ml of water used to rinse the blender. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Add the spaghetti to the pan and cover with the lid. Cook on low to medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. If the pasta begins to stick, reduce the heat or add a splash more water.
- Step 4: When the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce is plentiful, add a splash of water if needed. Grate in the parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Divide the pasta between two bowls and garnish with extra parmesan, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable stock to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For extra richness, swap light cream for double cream or add a knob of butter at the end.
- Add fresh basil or spinach leaves in the final minutes for a burst of color and freshness.
- Adjust the chilli flakes to suit your preferred heat level, or omit them entirely.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats nicely.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?
Yes, this recipe is designed for dried spaghetti, which cooks perfectly in the sauce as directed. If using fresh pasta, reduce cooking time accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and parmesan?
You can substitute the cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
PrintCreamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish combining the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes with a smooth, creamy sauce. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it features aromatic garlic and onions, fragrant herbs, and a hint of spice for a comforting pasta meal perfect for any weeknight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 white onion (finely diced)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp chilli flakes (1/2 tsp for each bowl, plus extra for garnish)
Tomato Ingredients
- 150 g sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
Liquids & Dairy
- 200 ml chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 300 ml cream (single or light)
- 200 ml water (to rinse out blender)
Pasta & Cheese
- 200 g spaghetti
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan (plus more for garnish)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Place a deep frying pan with a lid over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped garlic and diced white onion. Fry for several minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften. Next, add the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and continue frying for a few more minutes until the onion is fully softened.
- Blend Sun-dried Tomatoes: While the aromatics cook, add the sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato oil, and chicken (or vegetable) stock to a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth. Pour this tomato sauce into the frying pan with the sautéed aromatics. Add the cream and the 200 ml of water used to rinse out the blender. Stir everything together gently to combine into a creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the pan with the sauce. Cover with the lid and cook over low to medium heat for around 8 to 10 minutes, or according to the pasta packet instructions. Every 2 to 3 minutes, lift the lid and mix the pasta thoroughly to prevent sticking. Ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan by lowering the heat if necessary and adding a little more water if the sauce reduces too quickly.
- Finish and Serve: When the pasta is cooked through and tender, you should have a generous amount of sauce left in the pan. If the sauce is too thick or has reduced too much, add a splash of water and mix. Grate 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir to combine well. Divide the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta between two plates or bowls, then top with additional grated parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes per serving, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish vegetarian.
- For a lighter version, use single cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chilli flakes.
- Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar enhances flavor but can be substituted with olive oil if unavailable.
- Ensure to stir regularly when cooking pasta in sauce to prevent sticking and burning on the pan base.
Keywords: creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, stovetop pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta recipe
