This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta brings bright flavors to your plate! With just a few ingredients like pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil, you get a tasty meal.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love how quick it is to make—perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet delicious.
Top it with some fresh basil or parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni for its shape and ability to hold onto the sauce nicely. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try chickpea or lentil pasta. They’re delicious and add extra protein!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Go for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. If you can’t find them, feel free to use dry sun-dried tomatoes. Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them up.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have spinach, kale works too. Just be sure to remove the tough stems and chop it before adding to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind, this might change the richness of the sauce a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used in its place. They bring a slightly different flavor that’s equally enjoyable!
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Pasta for My Dish?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right is essential. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your water is truly boiling before adding the pasta; this helps cook evenly.
- Salt your water generously—it should taste like the sea! This is where the pasta gets its flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Cook until al dente, which usually means a bit firm to the bite, as it will cook a little more when mixed with the sauce.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency later!
Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni or another short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest. This water will help adjust the sauce later!
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
3. Adding the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach:
Next, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted, which will only take about 1-2 minutes.
4. Making the Cream Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. If it looks too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Mixing it All Together:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together to coat each piece in the delicious creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat.
6. Serving:
Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if you have them. Enjoy your Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta!
Can I Use Dried Sun-Dried Tomatoes Instead of Oil-Packed?
Yes, you can! If you’re using dried sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them before adding to the dish. This will help them incorporate better into the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream. You may need to adjust the heat to avoid curdling, and the sauce will be less rich, but it will still be tasty!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, allow them to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just make sure to cook the protein separately and mix it into the pasta at the end for a complete meal.
