Creamy Garlic Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

$- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (in oil for extra flavor) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat The main ingredients in this dish make it truly special. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine for this recipe. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor. I prefer the kind packed in oil. This adds extra taste to the dish. Garlic is a key ingredient here. It gives a strong, aromatic flavor. Minced garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and thick. It brings everything together in a delightful way. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste that enhances the dish. For cooking essentials, olive oil is my go-to. It helps to sauté the garlic. Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that warms the flavor. Salt and pepper are vital. They help bring out the best in each ingredient. When it comes to garnishing, I love fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes. They give the dish a nice kick! Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. - Bring the water to a rolling boil. - Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine to the pot. - Cook until the pasta is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute. - Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it should smell great. - Next, stir in 1 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes. - Cook for 2-3 minutes to release their flavor. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. - Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. - Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. - If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. - Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. - Cook for another 2 minutes to warm everything through. To make a great sauce, you must avoid overcooked garlic. Cook the garlic until it’s fragrant, about one minute. If it turns brown, it will taste bitter. Keep the heat on medium to help control this. Next, adjust the cream thickness. After you add the cream, let it simmer. If it gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This keeps your sauce smooth and creamy. To keep your pasta from sticking, stir it while it cooks. Use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta move freely. Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This water is starchy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Experimenting with herbs can boost your dish. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. You can also try oregano or thyme. Each will change the flavor in a unique way. If you like some heat, balance it with crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, and add more if you want extra spice. Pro Tips Choose Quality Tomatoes: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor and a more luscious sauce. Don't Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant; burning it can lead to a bitter taste in your sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water; it helps adjust sauce consistency and adds flavor. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for garnish; it elevates the dish's aroma and adds a vibrant touch. {{image_2}} You can add grilled chicken to make this dish heartier. Simply slice the chicken and toss it in with the pasta. Shrimp or seafood also works well. Cook them in the skillet with garlic for an extra flavor boost. Both options make the meal more filling. If you want a meatless dish, consider adding spinach or kale. These greens bring great color and nutrients. Toss them in just before adding the cream. You can also use vegan cheese in place of Parmesan. This keeps the creamy texture while making it plant-based. You can switch up the pasta if needed. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice for those with dietary needs. Whole grain pasta offers more fiber and a nutty flavor. An alternative pasta like chickpea or lentil adds protein and a unique taste. Feel free to experiment to find what you love best. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. In the fridge, your creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta stays good for about 3 days. After that, it may lose its creaminess and flavor. You can easily reheat your pasta in a few ways. The best method is using the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it stay creamy. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta. To freeze, let it cool completely first. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can keep it for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding cream or water to restore its creamy texture. For this creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine works best. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can also try penne or rigatoni for a fun twist. Both types of pasta offer a great bite and texture. Choose one that you love! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. If you choose fresh, use about 2 cups, diced. You will need to cook them longer to release their juices. Add them after the garlic to allow them to soften. This will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great! To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the Parmesan cheese. Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you want a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use vegan cheese for a similar taste. Enjoy a creamy dish that's plant-based! This post covers all you need to create a creamy pasta dish. You learned about the key ingredients, how to cook the pasta, and make a great sauce. I shared tips for perfecting your meal and variations to suit your taste. With proper storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy leftovers too. Pasta is versatile and fun to customize. Explore different flavors, add proteins, or try plant-based options. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!$

Creamy Garlic Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
optional crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to release their flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Cook over low heat for an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through.
Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for added flavor. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes