Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This deliciously creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is full of flavor but it’s so simple to make. This recipe turns basic pantry staples into a crave-worthy meal in just 15 minutes.
I love this sun-dried tomato pasta recipe because it tastes like it would take a long time to prepare, but it’s ready in a flash! Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients, so this recipe is excellent when your fridge and pantry look a little bare. If you’re missing some ingredients, I’ve included substitution options below. This flavorful sauce makes a delicious recipe the whole family will love!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pasta– I recommend using whole wheat penne pasta for protein and fiber. I like the Barilla Protein Plus brand. I don’t recommend using chickpea pasta or gluten-free pasta, as the starch from the pasta water helps create a thick sauce and this doesn’t work without a wheat-based pasta.
- Extra virgin olive oil- This helps add a velvety texture to the sauce, but if you want to cut down on the oil, you can skip it and sauté the garlic in the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes– Be sure to use tomatoes packed in oil. These have the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic– Fresh garlic adds lots of flavor to the creamy sauce. Do not substitute with garlic powder. You can use pre-minced garlic if you prefer.
- Cream cheese- You can use low-fat cream cheese if desired. You can also substitute for heavy cream, if necessary. Looking for a dairy free pasta recipe? Try my vegan vodka sauce!
- Parmesan– I highly recommend freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than buying pre-grated cheese, which doesn’t melt.
- Spinach– This is an easy way to add greens to the dish. I recommend baby spinach which is more mild and tender than regular spinach.
Types of Sun-Dried Tomatoes
There are two main types of sun-dried tomatoes: dry-packed and oil-packed.
Dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes are made by leaving fresh tomatoes out in the sun to dry until they have lost most of their moisture. They are then packed and sold without any additional liquid. Dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a chewy texture and a concentrated tomato flavor. They are usually rehydrated in water or oil before being used in recipes.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are made by soaking fresh tomatoes in oil and herbs before leaving them out to dry in the sun. They are then packed in the same oil and herbs in which they were soaked. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a softer, more tender texture than dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes and are often used as is in recipes without the need for rehydration. They also have a more intense, savory flavor due to the oil and herbs in which they are packed. For this recipe, you’ll need oil-packed tomatoes.
Are Sun-Dried Tomatoes Healthy?
Sun-dried tomatoes can be a healthy addition to your diet. They are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Sun-dried tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron.
However, it’s important to note that sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil do contain more fat and calories than those that are dry-packed or rehydrated in water. It’s worth it for the added flavor and texture, but be mindful of portion sizes. It’s also worth noting that sun-dried tomatoes are often high in sodium due to the salt used in the drying process.
But the great thing about sun-dried tomatoes is that a little goes a long way in terms of flavor. So although oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are a bit higher in fat and calories, we’re only using one ounce per serving.
This pasta is so creamy, and has such rich flavours! It really stands out from all other creamy dishes I’ll make for lunch and dinner. My husband brought it to work one day and said he loved it too!
I made this dish to bring to a potluck dinner. Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe.
What a delicious, easy, flavorful pasta! My family practically inhaled this, so looks like I’ll need to make it again ASAP. Thank you so much for the recipe!Â
Absolutely delicious! I love that you reserved the pasta water, such a great trick to help thin out the sauce with the starchy water.
Loved the creamy texture of this pasta! So easy to throw together and big flavor from the sun dried tomatoes. Perfect meatless meal!
I could literally eat this EVERY DAY. Sun dried tomatoes are one of my favorite ingredients. This was so simple to make too.
Am amazing pasta dish that is rich in flavor and yet very simple to execute.
Thank you for the recipe and inspiration. We all loved it.
It looks so delicious and easy! This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
Loving how quick and cozy this pasta recipe is! The sundried tomatoes add so much extra flavor!
Love Pasta. Love this recipe. So simple. Thanks