Indulge your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries the richness of creamy sauce with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes! This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transports you straight to Italy with every bite. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds! Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly thicken and absorb the tomato and garlic flavors.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every strand with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to further absorb into the pasta.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine work beautifully for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes for a fun twist!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that 1/2 cup of pasta water! It’s the secret ingredient that helps adjust the sauce's consistency, ensuring it clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Sauté Garlic Carefully: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. A fragrant, lightly golden garlic is the key to enhancing the sauce's flavor.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add additional ingredients like spinach, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor boost and nutritional punch.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor. Don’t skimp on this final touch!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so plate it right away to savor the creamy goodness at its peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
