Sun dried tomato pasta

This sun dried tomato pasta is a breeze to whip up, using a blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner but tasty enough to be enjoyed on a leisurely weekend, perhaps with a glass of wine.

Whenever I’m pressed for time, pasta comes to the rescue. I love choosing ingredients that are already bursting with flavor, cutting down on prep time. With this recipe, I simply chop up a jar of sun-dried tomatoes and sauté them with garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. They’re so flavorful on their own, they don’t need much else.

To add a touch of freshness, I toss in some baby arugula leaves just before serving. It’s the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the pantry ingredients.

And of course, there’s plenty of Parmesan cheese to tie everything together. Instead of heavy cream, I opt for a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of pasta water to coat the noodles. Trust me, it’s a winning combination that works year-round.

What Is Sun Dried Tomatoes?

The idea of sun-drying tomatoes feels like a Mediterranean fantasy. These ripe tomatoes are left to dry in the sun or in the oven. As they lose moisture, their flavors intensify, resulting in tart and robust sun-dried tomatoes.

You can often find them jarred in oil, sometimes with added Italian seasoning. However, the quality of the oil may not be the best, so I prefer to drain the tomatoes and use fresh olive oil when cooking with them.

Alternatively, these tomatoes are also available dry-packed in bags without any oil. In this case, you’ll need to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water.

Why you’ll love it

I’m thrilled to share another easy-to-make pasta dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful! You know I’m all about creating impressive meals without all the fuss, and this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is guaranteed to wow in just thirty minutes.

We’ve got a creamy white wine sauce with Parmesan, a hint of lemon, and loads of fresh spinach. Sun dried tomatoes take center stage in this simple yet elegant pasta, and this weeknight delight is fancy enough to serve to guests! Pasta night has never been this tasty.

Sun dried tomato pasta recipe video:

Sun dried tomato pasta ingredients and instructions:

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces of pasta (your favorite type)
2. 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
9. Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it following the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté them for another 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and start to release their flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in the skillet. Mix everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in the tasty sauce.

Step 4: Season and Garnish

Season the sun-dried tomato pasta with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and toss it in to incorporate. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it one final toss.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Enjoy

Your delicious sun dried tomato pasta is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot and savor the rich flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in every bite.

Sun dried tomato pasta nutrition information:

Sun dried tomato pasta health benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health: Olive oil used in the recipe is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
3. Immune Support: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties due to its high content of sulfur compounds.
4. Bone Health: Parmesan cheese provides calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
5. Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh parsley adds a dose of vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron and potassium.

Storage, reheating and reuse instructions:

Storage Instructions:

After preparing this delightful dish, follow these storage guidelines to maintain its freshness:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and freshness.

Reheating and Reuse:

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, follow these steps:

1. Refrigerated Leftovers: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
2. Reuse Creatively: Transform leftover Sun dried Tomato Pasta into a pasta salad by adding fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing, or use it as a flavorful filling for stuffed bell peppers or mushrooms.

Remember, these recommendations ensure not just a delightful meal but also a safe and enjoyable culinary experience.

What to serve with sun dried tomato pasta

• Enjoy it with a dinner roll, slice of fresh crusty bread, or Cheesy Garlic Bread.
• Alternatively, pair it with a salad like my Super Simple Parmesan Arugula Salad, or a spring mix salad with Easy Lemon Tahini Dressing.

FAQ’s

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