This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and tasty dish. With sweet sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to please anyone at your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni for its great texture that holds onto the sauce. You can also use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti if you prefer something different.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a rich flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use homemade dried tomatoes after hydrating them in warm water or broth.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy goodness. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you want a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. In a pinch, Pecorino Romano works well, or you can try nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can substitute kale or arugula if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The sauce is key to this pasta dish. Start by cooking garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. When adding the heavy cream, heat it on low to avoid curdling. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
- Mix in the Parmesan gradually; this keeps your sauce smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add reserved pasta water. This helps keep it silky and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll whip up a delightful sun-dried tomato pasta that’s sure to impress!
Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni or other pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pasta dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this quick meal in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your pasta (rigatoni or whatever you like) and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. When it’s done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—this will help later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm them up and release their flavor into the oil.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!
5. Stir in Cheese and Seasoning:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired.
6. Add the Spinach:
Now, throw in the fresh spinach. Cook it for just about 1-2 minutes until it wilts down nicely. It adds a lovely burst of color and nutrition!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, mixing well. If your sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your delicious sun-dried tomato pasta, and sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top for good measure. Dig in and enjoy each creamy, flavorful bite!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use a plant-based cream or milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be slightly less creamy.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. For a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be excellent additions to make the meal even heartier.
