This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With sun-dried tomatoes bringing a burst of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
You can whip this up in no time, which is great for those evenings when you just want to eat and relax. Seriously, who doesn’t love a pasta dish that’s both easy and delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni is great for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to swap it for penne, farfalle, or any pasta you have. Gluten-free pasta works well too if needed!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for their extra flavor and softness. If you only have dry ones, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes before using.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is perfect, but you can also use kale or even arugula for a peppery kick. Just ensure they cook down well!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: While freshly grated gives the best texture, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan choice. Just remember, the cheese adds a lovely, salty depth to the dish!
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burnt garlic can ruin a dish with its bitter taste, so here’s how to avoid that:
- Keep the heat at medium when sautéing garlic. This gives it time to release its flavor without burning.
- Stir frequently and watch it closely. Garlic only needs about a minute to become fragrant.
- If your garlic is getting too brown too quickly, lower the heat! Remember, you’re aiming for a golden color, not dark brown.
Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni or your choice of pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (preferably oil-packed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta recipe will take about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10-15 minutes to make the sauce and combine the ingredients. Quick and scrumptious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta but make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning—that’s no good!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another 2 minutes. This allows them to soften and bring out their lovely flavor.
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. Let this simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit. The aroma will be heavenly already!
5. Mix in the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce is creamy and deliciously cheesy.
6. Add Spinach:
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking them for about 1-2 minutes until they wilt down and brighten up the dish.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet! Mix well, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If you feel the sauce is too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Season to Taste:
Season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your easy sun-dried tomato pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you like. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!
This easy sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick and delightful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll want to sauté them until they’re soft and juicy. Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes and cook them down in the garlic and olive oil until they break down before adding the cream.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra cream to revive the sauce.
Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
