Imagine a dish that's vibrant, flavorful, and easy to make. That's sun-dried tomato pasta for you! This dish brings together the sweetness and intensity of sun-dried tomatoes with the comforting richness of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekend dinners, or even a special occasion, it never disappoints. What's more, it requires simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
No fuss, no hassle, only delightful flavors! Get ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey with this fantastic dish. You'll be surprised how something so simple can taste so incredibly good.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor-packed Ingredients: The star of this recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, are bursting with a concentrated tomato flavor that's both sweet and tangy. When combined with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, they create a rich, savory sauce unmatched by regular fresh tomatoes. These tomatoes pack a punch, ensuring every bite is as exciting as the last. This recipe takes advantage of the intense, preserved flavors of the tomatoes, making it a star dish even when fresh tomatoes aren't in season.
Quick and Easy: One of the best things about this sun-dried tomato pasta is how quick it is to put together. It's perfect for those nights when you're short on time but craving something homemade and satisfying. Unlike dishes that require a long list of ingredients and steps, this recipe is straightforward. It's just a matter of cooking the pasta, sautéing your flavor base, and tossing everything together. Plus, it's adaptable. You can easily add other ingredients like spinach, chicken, or your favorite cheese, making it a versatile option for any home cook.
Ingredients
Sun-dried tomatoes: These are tomatoes that have lost most of their water content after spending a lot of time in the sun. They have an intense sweet-tart flavor and are usually preserved in olive oil to maintain their texture. If you can't find them, you could substitute them with semi-dried tomatoes or even a chunky tomato sauce (though the flavor will differ).
Pasta: Typically made from wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, pasta is the foundation of this dish. It comes in various shapes and sizes, but for this recipe, penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well. Gluten-free pasta or whole grain alternatives can be used for dietary preferences.
Garlic: Used for its pungent flavor and aroma, garlic enhances almost any savory dish. If you're not a fan of garlic, you could use shallots or a small amount of garlic powder instead.
Olive oil: This oil is used for cooking and adding flavor. It's made by pressing whole olives. It's healthier than many other cooking oils due to its high content of monounsaturated fats. For a different taste or if you have an allergy, you can use avocado oil or regular vegetable oil.
Fresh basil: This herb brings a sweet, peppery flavor and a fresh aroma to the dish. If fresh basil isn't available, you could use dried basil (use a smaller quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated) or fresh spinach for a different, yet delicious twist.
Tips
- Cook pasta just until it reaches al dente texture; it should remain slightly firm. This ensures the pasta doesn't get too soft, especially since it cooks a little more when you mix it with the other ingredients.
- Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, but keep it. You can use this flavorful oil for cooking the garlic and sauce, adding extra depth to the dish.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end of the cooking process, preserving its flavor and vibrant color.
- You can enhance the dish with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Add these cooked items at the last step when you mix the pasta with the sauce.
- Don't rinse the pasta after cooking unless you're making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
How to Serve
Sun-dried tomato pasta is best served hot. It's a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and additions. When serving, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
- As a main course with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a hearty, plant-forward option.
- With a protein of choice, such as grilled chicken breast strips, cooked shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. This addition makes the meal more substantial and nutritionally balanced.
Similar Recipes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil can use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain (do not rinse), reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into slices and add them to the garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen things up if necessary.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cook pasta just until it reaches al dente texture; it should remain slightly firm. This ensures the pasta doesn't get too soft, especially since it cooks a little more when you mix it with the other ingredients.
- Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, but keep it. You can use this flavorful oil for cooking the garlic and sauce, adding extra depth to the dish.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end of the cooking process, preserving its flavor and vibrant color.
- You can enhance the dish with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Add these cooked items at the last step when you mix the pasta with the sauce.
- Don't rinse the pasta after cooking unless you're making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.