Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines penne pasta with a rich tomato-based sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. This pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal, a family dinner, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a comforting and flavorful pasta dish.
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Why This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Is the Best
- Rich Tomato Sauce: The sauce is made with sun-dried tomatoes, providing a deep and rich tomato flavor that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Hearty Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for holding onto the sauce, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, this dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
- Simple and Quick: Made with simple ingredients, this pasta is easy and quick to prepare.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner option, Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of rich sauce and hearty pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne Pasta: Mini or regular, this hearty pasta shape is ideal for holding the rich, creamy sauce.
- Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green element that wilts beautifully in the sauce.Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil): Provide a concentrated, tangy tomato flavor, complemented by the oil for
- richness.
- Garlic: Minced for an aromatic base that infuses the sauce with savory depth.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, making the sauce more robust.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, perfect for seasoning.
- Rushed red Pepper Flakes: Adds a mild heat; adjusts for desired spiciness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety base for the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
- Basil: Chopped fresh basil brightens the dish with herbal notes.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a tangy lift to balance the richness.
- Paprika (optional): Gives the dish a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
Tips for Making the Best Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Generously Coat in Sauce: Toss the pasta in a generous amount of sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta—each bite filled with hearty pasta and rich tomato sauce, all garnished with fresh herbs. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious pasta recipes!
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta combines rich, creamy sauce with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The tangy, savory sauce is balanced with a touch of heat, parmesan, and basil for a comforting and flavorful dish. Ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s both hearty and fresh!
Ingredients
- 12 oz. penne pasta mini size or regular
- 1/2 cup slightly packed sun dried tomato halves in oil, well drained, finely chopped
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup 2 oz finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 10 cups hot water
- Salt and Pepper
- 8 oz. baby spinach 8 cups packed, chopped
- 2 tablespoon oil from jar of sun dried tomatoes
- 4 teaspoon minced garlic 4 cloves
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1/2 teaspoon for slightly spicier
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice optional
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika (optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and generously season with salt.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- As the pasta cooks, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds, until it just begins to deepen in color.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan until fully melted.
- Transfer the sun-dried tomato sauce to the empty pot used for cooking the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta back to the pot, along with the spinach and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- Cook over medium-low heat until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in the basil, along with the lemon and paprika if desired.
- Adjust the consistency with up to an additional 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, if needed.
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Sun Dried Tomato Pasta