Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

One evening, I found a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in the back of my pantry. I had no plan, no other inspiration, just a vague memory of someone raving about creamy tomato pasta. Naturally, I decided to turn that random jar into dinner.

I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. My first attempt looked… a little sad. Sauce too thick, pasta sticking together, me burning my fingers stirring. But then, I tasted it. Sweet, tangy, garlicky, creamy… I paused mid-bite and thought, “Okay, that’s actually really good.”

Since then, this dish has been my go-to when I want something fancy-ish but also lazy-friendly. Bonus: it’s fast, forgiving, and feels like restaurant food without a bill that makes me cry.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons):

1. Quick Preparation: The dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
2. Few Ingredients: It requires only a handful of simple ingredients, making it easy to shop for and prepare.
3. Versatile Base: The creamy sauce pairs well with various types of pasta, allowing for creative variations.
4. Flavorful Components: Each ingredient, from sun-dried tomatoes to parmesan, contributes significant flavor, enhancing the overall dish.
5. Customizable: The recipe allows for the addition of other vegetables or proteins according to preference.
6. Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish create an appealing visual that is well-suited for entertaining.
7. Leftovers Enjoyment: The flavors improve when reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.
8. Balanced Nutrition: With the inclusion of spinach and whole ingredients, it offers a nutritious option for a satisfying meal.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way:

• Salt in Pasta Water: Always salt the water before boiling pasta to enhance overall flavor.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water before draining; it helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
• Moderate Heat: Sauté garlic over medium heat to avoid burning; burned garlic can produce a bitter taste.
• Wine Selection: Use a dry white wine; avoid sweet wines as they will alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
• Incorporate Spinach Later: Adding spinach shortly before finishing allows it to retain its bright color and nutritional benefits.
• Grate Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.
• Adjust Cream to Taste: Start with less cream and add more until you achieve the desired creaminess.
• Consistency Matters: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Variations You Can Try:

1. Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
2. Vegetable Substitutes: Experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for different textures and flavors.
3. Herb Variation: Substitute chives or parsley with basil or oregano for a different herbal profile.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
5. Whole Grain Option: Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta as an alternative to traditional pasta.
6. Vegan Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based cheese options.
7. Cheese Alternatives: Try goat cheese or feta for a tangy alternative to parmesan.
8. Pesto Twist: Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe?

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces DeLallo spirali pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup DeLallo sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced or chopped
• About 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2/3 – 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• Up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A big bunch of chopped chives or parsley
• Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and use a small amount of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until soft and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the wine to the skillet; allow it to sizzle and reduce before proceeding.

Step 4: Incorporate the heavy cream and chopped spinach, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Stir in the cooked pasta, adjusting the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 6: Finish with chopped chives or parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrition	Value
Calories	308 kcal
Carbohydrates	45.1 g
Fat	9.7 g
Protein	9.4 g

How I Like to Serve This:

1. Serve with a side of garlic bread for an enhanced dining experience.
2. Pair with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
3. Drizzle with additional olive oil for a finishing touch.
4. Offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table for those who desire more.
5. Consider a glass of chilled white wine to complement the flavors of the pasta.
6. Garnish with a few extra sun-dried tomatoes for an appealing presentation.
7. Include a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving for added flavor.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Notes:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may alter the texture of the sauce.
• For optimal freshness, consume leftovers within a couple of days.
• Freeze the dish if needed, but note that the cream may separate upon thawing.
• Consider blending the leftovers with a little extra cream before serving to improve texture.

FAQs:

1. Can I use whole-wheat pasta? Yes, whole-wheat pasta works well in this recipe, though the cooking time may vary.
2. Is this dish gluten-free? It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta options.
3. What type of wine should I use? A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is recommended.
4. Can I omit the cream for a lighter version? Yes, reduce the cream or substitute with a lighter alternative such as milk or a plant-based cream.
5. How do I store leftover pasta? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, other vegetables can be incorporated based on personal preference.
7. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ.
8. How can I make this dish vegan? Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use vegan cheese.