Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe: When you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, sun dried tomato pasta is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special—without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a quick lunch, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s rich, savory, slightly tangy, and totally comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Let’s be real—pasta is always a winner. But when you add the intense, slightly sweet punch of sun dried tomatoes into the mix, it elevates everything. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, the textures are perfect, and the overall dish feels gourmet, even if it’s super easy to make. Plus, you can tailor it with protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) or leave it as is for a hearty vegetarian option. It’s flexible, fast, and full of flavor.
Need dinner in under 30 minutes? This dish is your new go-to.
The Perfect Combination: What Makes Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Special
Sun dried tomatoes aren’t just a trendy ingredient—they’re the secret weapon in your kitchen. Their intense flavor comes from being dried under the sun (or in ovens), which concentrates all the natural sugars and umami. When you rehydrate them and blend them into a sauce or sauté them with garlic and olive oil, they create a luxurious base that turns a simple pasta dish into a flavor bomb.
And guess what? The rest of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep things simple, here’s what you’ll need to whip up the perfect sun dried tomato pasta.
Pasta Types That Work Best
Not all pasta is created equal, and the kind you choose can affect the final result:
- Penne – Great for trapping the sauce in its tubes.
- Fettuccine – Excellent for creamy sauces.
- Spaghetti – A classic that never fails.
- Rotini – The twists hold the sauce beautifully.
Choose your favorite—just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Main Ingredients
Here’s your core ingredient list (serves 4):
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun dried tomato jar is perfect)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take it up a notch? Here are some tasty extras:
- Cooked chicken or shrimp
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Mushrooms
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta
- Toasted pine nuts
Each add-in brings something new to the table. Mix and match to make it your own.
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want on hand to make cooking smooth and easy:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer or colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (if making a creamy sauce with blended tomatoes)
Pro tip: Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. It’ll make everything faster and more fun.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Now for the fun part—let’s cook!
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s rolling, toss in your pasta and cook it according to package instructions—usually around 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later—it helps thicken the sauce and helps it stick to the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Sun Dried Tomatoes
While the pasta is boiling, get your sun dried tomatoes ready. If you’re using tomatoes packed in oil (recommended), drain them slightly but don’t dry them completely. You want that oil for flavor!
Chop them into small pieces so they blend nicely into the sauce and don’t overpower every bite. If they’re not already soft, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Heat the olive oil (use the one from the sun dried tomatoes for max flavor) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden. Then, stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute.
Add your chopped sun dried tomatoes, and sauté for 2–3 minutes to release their oils and deepen the flavor. Now pour in the cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (around 3–5 minutes).
Toss in your Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes, just to let the flavors soak into the pasta.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
Once the pasta is well-coated and piping hot, take it off the heat. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley. You can even add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet touch.
Serve hot—and prepare for compliments.
How to Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free
Want to make this dish fit your dietary needs? It’s super easy to tweak without sacrificing flavor.
Vegan Version
To make it 100% plant-based:
- Swap heavy cream for coconut cream, almond cooking milk, or any other dairy-free alternative.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan. Both give a cheesy, nutty flavor.
- Make sure your sun dried tomatoes are vegan-friendly (some jarred versions may include dairy-based flavorings, so check the label).
- Use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing.
The result? Still creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful.
Gluten-Free Version
If you’re avoiding gluten:
- Simply use gluten-free pasta—brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or lentil pasta are great options.
- Double-check your sun dried tomatoes and any add-ins (like store-bought vegan cheese) to ensure they’re gluten-free.
The texture might vary slightly depending on the pasta brand, but the flavor remains on point. This dish is naturally adaptable, which makes it a favorite for families with different dietary preferences.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Want your sun dried tomato pasta to taste like it came straight out of a fancy Italian kitchen? Follow these expert tips:
- Use sun dried tomatoes in oil – The oil adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the sauce richer. Don’t skip it.
- Cook the pasta al dente – This gives the best texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Don’t skimp on garlic – Garlic brings out the best in sun dried tomatoes. Three cloves is the minimum—feel free to add more!
- Use fresh Parmesan – Grating cheese fresh from a block melts better and gives a much stronger flavor than pre-shredded.
- Balance the acidity – If the tomatoes are too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to mellow it out.
- Fresh herbs = flavor boost – Basil, thyme, or oregano can make your pasta taste super fresh and aromatic.
These little touches can turn your average dinner into something unforgettable.
What to Serve with Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can definitely round it out with a few tasty sides:
Great Pairings
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside… you know the deal.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light, lemony vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Perfect for added protein if you’re not going vegetarian.
Drinks That Pair Well
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Iced tea or a light herbal tea
Keep the sides simple and fresh so they complement, not compete, with the bold flavors of the pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made too much? No problem. This pasta stores and reheats like a dream.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce might separate when reheated. If you do, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
- Microwave: Use medium power and stir halfway through. Again, add a little liquid to bring it back to life.
Avoid overheating—especially in the microwave—or the sauce may break.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go sideways. Here are common mistakes to dodge:
- Overcooking the pasta – Mushy pasta ruins the dish. Stick to al dente.
- Using dry sun dried tomatoes without soaking – They need moisture to blend well into the sauce.
- Adding cold cream to a hot pan – This can cause it to curdle. Warm it slightly or add it slowly while stirring.
- Skipping the pasta water – It’s liquid gold for your sauce. Don’t toss it!
- Not seasoning enough – Sun dried tomatoes are flavorful, but your sauce still needs salt and pepper to shine.
Keep these in mind and you’ll nail it every single time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a rough breakdown for a typical serving of this creamy sun dried tomato pasta (based on a 4-serving batch with cream and cheese):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~12g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugar | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~320mg |
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the type of pasta and cream used.
Best Pasta Brands to Use
Not all pasta is created equal. If you want the perfect bite, try one of these trusted brands:
- Barilla – Affordable, consistent, and widely available.
- De Cecco – Great texture, especially for penne and rigatoni.
- Banza – A high-protein, gluten-free option made from chickpeas.
- Trader Joe’s Organic Pasta – Solid pick for organic lovers.
- Rummo – Known for its exceptional texture and bronze-cut finish.
Choose what fits your taste and budget, but always go for quality when you can. The pasta is half the dish, after all!
FAQs about Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it separately. Just cook the pasta fresh and mix before serving.
Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried?
You can, but it won’t be the same. Fresh tomatoes are lighter and less concentrated. For that bold flavor, stick with sun dried.
Q3: How spicy is this dish?
It’s only as spicy as you make it. Skip the chili flakes if you’re not into heat.
Q4: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Technically yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk is better than skim.
Q5: Can I blend the sauce?
Absolutely. For a smoother, restaurant-style sauce, blend the sun dried tomatoes, cream, and sautéed onions before mixing with the pasta.
Conclusion
Sun dried tomato pasta is more than just another weeknight meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. With simple ingredients and a fast cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights, romantic dinners, or meal prep sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish delivers every time.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those sun dried tomatoes and make magic happen in your kitchen tonight. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
