Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I like using rigatoni because its ridges hold onto the sauce well. You can use any pasta shape you have, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, if you prefer.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. If you can’t find them in oil, you can use dehydrated ones. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut milk.

Spinach: Fresh spinach is great here, but if you don’t have it, you can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well first!

How Do I Ensure the Perfect Sauce Consistency?

Getting that creamy texture just right can be tricky. Here are some steps to help you achieve a smooth sauce:

• Start with medium heat to avoid cooking the garlic too fast; you want it fragrant, not browned.
• When adding heavy cream, let it simmer gently. This allows it to thicken without boiling over.
• Stir in the Parmesan gradually and keep mixing until it’s melted completely. This will help create that creamy consistency you’re aiming for.

Following these tips will help you create a deliciously smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully!

Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz rigatoni or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat

Time Needed:

This delicious pasta dish takes about 25 minutes in total—15 minutes for prep and cooking the pasta, and about 10 minutes to create the sauce. It’s a quick meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta (rigatoni works great) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic, sautéing it gently for about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but not browned, as burned garlic can taste bitter.

3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Next, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking them for another 2 minutes. This helps to warm them through and brings out their flavor even more.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it come to a gentle simmer—this is where it starts getting creamy and delicious!

5. Incorporate Cheese & Spinach:

Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese has melted smoothly. Toss in fresh spinach and cook for just 1-2 minutes, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.

6. Combine with Pasta:

Once your sauce is creamy and the spinach is wilted, add in the drained pasta. Toss everything together so every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

7. Season & Serve:

Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness!

Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and creamy pasta dish perfect for any weeknight dinner!

FAQ for Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses rigatoni, feel free to substitute any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens up too much.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?

For a vegetarian dish, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian cheese substitute. To make it vegan, you can replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative (like coconut or almond cream) and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What Can I Substitute for Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes. Just note that these substitutions may alter the flavor profile slightly, but they can still provide a delicious result!