My love affair with this Sundried Tomato Pasta started during a particularly stressful week when I needed something comforting but sophisticated enough to feel like I was treating myself. This rich, creamy dish transforms simple pantry ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food that my family requests constantly.
My husband, who usually prefers plain marinara, actually asked for seconds and wondered why we don't make this more often. The combination of tangy sundried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates layers of flavor that satisfy in ways simple red sauce never could.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta delivers restaurant sophistication with weeknight simplicity, making it perfect for busy families who want something special without the fuss. The sundried tomatoes provide intense, concentrated flavor that transforms ordinary cream sauce into something memorable and complex. What makes this pasta recipes sundried tomatoes version so special is how quickly it comes together while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen developing flavors.
My sister, who struggles with cooking confidence, now makes this for Dinner parties because it looks impressive but uses straightforward techniques. Plus, the sauce is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with different pasta shapes, proteins, or vegetables you have on hand.
Jump to:
What You'll Need
Creating this luxurious sundried tomato fettuccine starts with quality ingredients that build layers of rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine or linguine pasta
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Extras
Transform this into sun dried tomato chicken pasta by adding grilled chicken breast, or create chicken pasta spinach sun dried tomatoes by wilting fresh spinach into the sauce. Pine nuts or toasted walnuts add wonderful texture.
This sun dried tomato pasta is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Sundried Tomato Pasta
Start Your Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped sundried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Create the Creamy Foundation
Pour in white wine if using and let it simmer for one minute to cook off the alcohol. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Common Question: How do I prevent my creamy sundried tomato pasta sauce from breaking? Keep heat at medium or lower and stir constantly. Add Parmesan cheese gradually off the heat to prevent curdling from high temperatures.
Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Remove pan from heat and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add drained pasta to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve silky, sauce-coated perfection.
Aliana's Pro Advice
The secret to exceptional creamy sundried tomato chicken pasta lies in using quality sundried tomatoes packed in oil and not rushing the cream reduction.
I learned this after making several bland versions when I tried to use dry sundried tomatoes or didn't let the flavors develop properly.
The oil from the sundried tomatoes adds incredible depth, so don't drain it completely away.
My mom taught me to always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, because sundried tomatoes can be quite salty and you might need less salt than you think.
Also, fresh basil makes a huge difference here - dried basil just doesn't provide the bright contrast the rich sauce needs.
Easy Swaps
Transform this basic recipe into sun dried tomato chicken linguine by adding sliced, cooked chicken breast during the final tossing step. Half-and-half works for a lighter version, though the sauce will be thinner. For vegetarian protein, try adding white beans or toasted pine nuts. Different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work beautifully and hold the creamy sauce in their ridges perfectly.
Storage & Serving Tips
This sundried chicken pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and hot, but leftovers keep refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the silky texture. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin when freshly made.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this rich pasta alongside a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy richness. Crusty garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up any extra sauce, while steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add fresh vegetable contrast. A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy, tomato-forward flavors beautifully.
FAQs About Sundried Tomato Pasta
Can I use dry sundried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?
You can, but soak them in warm water for 20 minutes first to rehydrate, though oil-packed versions provide much better flavor and texture.
What's the best pasta shape for this sauce?
Long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair work best because they coat well with the creamy sauce and allow proper distribution of ingredients.
How do I make this healthier without losing flavor?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add extra vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to bulk up the dish with nutrients.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
The sauce keeps well for two days refrigerated, but you'll need to reheat gently and thin it with cream or pasta water before serving.
More Recipes You'll Love
If this sundried tomato pasta has you craving more creamy comfort foods, try my mushroom alfredo that uses similar techniques with earthy flavors. The lemon garlic shrimp pasta brings bright acidity that complements rich sauces perfectly, while my carbonara offers another luxurious cream-based option. For lighter alternatives, the olive oil and herb pasta provides Mediterranean simplicity that still satisfies.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your creativity could inspire someone else! You'll find more satisfying pasta recipes in my comfort food collection where every dish transforms simple ingredients into memorable family meals.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe:
Leave a Reply