Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines rich, tangy flavors with tender spaghetti. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but impressive.

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 the blender)
• 200 g spaghetti
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (1/2 tsp for each bowl)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a deep frying pan with a lid on medium heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. When hot, add the garlic and onion. Fry for a few minutes until softened, then stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another few minutes to develop the flavors.
2. 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 the 200 ml of water used to rinse the blender. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the spaghetti to the pan and cover with the lid. Cook on low to medium heat according to the pasta packet instructions, usually 8–10 minutes. Every 2–3 minutes, lift the lid and stir to prevent sticking. If the pasta sticks or the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water and reduce the heat.
4. Step 4: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, ensure there is plenty of sauce in the pan. If needed, add a splash of water and stir. Grate in the parmesan and mix well. Serve divided between two plates, garnished with extra parmesan, chilli flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.
• Add fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
• Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Adjust chilli flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?

Yes, dry spaghetti works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it in the sauce with a bit more liquid and follow the packet cooking times, stirring regularly to keep from sticking.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, use olive oil instead. The flavor will be slightly less intense but still delicious.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 634 reviews

This Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal that combines sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onion, and a creamy sauce to coat tender spaghetti. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish balances the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with a hint of paprika and oregano, finished with parmesan and a touch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pasta and Sauce

• 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 (for rinsing blender)
• 200 g spaghetti
• 1 tbsp grated parmesan (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp chilli flakes (1/2 tsp for each bowl)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Place a deep frying pan with a lid over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped garlic and diced white onion. Fry for a few minutes until fragrant and starting to soften. Then add 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and fry for another few minutes until the onion is softened and the spices are well incorporated.
2. Blend the sauce: While the onion and garlic cook, add 150 g of sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil, and 200 ml chicken or vegetable stock into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the frying pan, then add 300 ml of cream and 200 ml of water (used to rinse the blender) to the pan. Stir everything together well to combine the sauce base.
3. Cook the pasta in the sauce: Add 200 g of spaghetti to the pan, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan with the lid and cook on low to medium heat according to packet instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Every 2-3 minutes, lift the lid and stir everything to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the pasta begins to stick, lower the heat or add a splash more water to loosen the sauce.
4. Finish and serve: When the pasta is tender and cooked through, check the sauce consistency. If it has reduced too much, add a splash of water and stir well. Stir in 1 tbsp grated parmesan to enrich the sauce. Divide the pasta between two plates or bowls and garnish with extra grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp chilli flakes per serving, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish!

Notes

• You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep the dish vegetarian.
• For a lighter version, use single or light cream as suggested.
• If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, adding water in small amounts helps prevent dryness and sticking.
• Adjust chili flakes to taste for more or less heat.
• Using sun-dried tomato oil enhances the tomato flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
• This recipe serves 2, but quantities can be doubled for more servings.

Keywords: Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, one-pan pasta, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta dish, quick dinner recipe