This 30-minute sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is a delightful dish that brings a touch of elegance to your table. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, featuring creamy sauce infused with garlic, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of parmesan. The vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes elevate this meatless meal, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Luxurious Flavor: The creamy sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes delivers a rich taste that feels special.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served alongside grilled chicken or seafood.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and flavorful herbs, it’s not only delicious but nutritious too.
- Meatless Delight: Ideal for vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your sun-dried tomato pasta, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for creating the creamy sauce; its even heat helps blend flavors perfectly.
- Pot: Used for boiling the pasta; choose one large enough to prevent sticking.
- Whisk: Important for mixing ingredients smoothly without lumps in the sauce.
Ingredients
To create this delicious sun-dried tomato pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see note)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For Freshness
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Create Base Flavor
Stir in the flour and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients
Whisk in your choice of dry white wine or chicken broth along with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Allow it to cook until it reduces by half.
Step 5: Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream
Add in the sun-dried tomatoes along with heavy cream. Let this bubble gently for about five minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted, then add fresh baby spinach. Allow it to wilt into the sauce.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Toss your cooked pasta into the sauce mixture. If necessary, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving immediately.
Enjoy your homemade sun-dried tomato pasta, bursting with flavors that are sure to impress!
How to Serve Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta.
Add Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast adds protein and makes the meal more filling.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp seasoned with garlic pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds a fresh herbaceous note to each bite.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Focaccia: This soft Italian bread enhances the dining experience with its olive oil and herb flavor.
How to Perfect Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
To achieve the perfect sun-dried tomato pasta, consider these tips that will elevate your dish.
- Flavor Enhancements: Use quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor and texture.
- Cream Consistency Control: To adjust cream thickness, reserve some pasta water before draining and add it gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Fresh Cheese Preference: Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a fresher taste and better melting properties.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference after adding all ingredients.
- Cooking Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture that holds up against the creamy sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, it’s a classic choice everyone loves.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal while complementing the dish’s flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant side that brightens up your plate.
- Pesto Bruschetta: Crunchy toasted bread topped with pesto brings an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides an elegant touch alongside your pasta dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making sun-dried tomato pasta, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using the wrong pasta type: Not all pasta holds sauce well. Choose a shape like penne or fettuccine for better sauce adherence.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite.
- Neglecting to season: A lack of salt and pepper can dull flavors. Always season your dish generously, especially the pasta water.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or dried-out sun-dried tomatoes can affect taste. Opt for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for better flavor.
- Not adjusting sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, it can cling to the pasta in an unappealing way. Keep some pasta water on hand to adjust the consistency as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about sun-dried tomato pasta that might help clarify your cooking experience.
What is sun-dried tomato pasta?
Sun-dried tomato pasta is a creamy dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, tossed with your choice of pasta.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down to achieve similar flavor intensity. Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated taste that fresh tomatoes lack.
How can I customize my sun-dried tomato pasta?
Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or include more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Is sun-dried tomato pasta vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is meatless and relies on flavorful ingredients like garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese.
Final Thoughts
This sun-dried tomato pasta is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Experiment with different vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Indulge in this creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a delightful dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into an elegant meal. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of rich, garlicky goodness bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. This vegetarian pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with grilled chicken or seafood for those who crave protein. With its vibrant colors and savory taste, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in white wine or broth, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning; reduce by half.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream; let bubble gently for five minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then add spinach to wilt.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
