When the aroma of sun-dried tomatoes wafts through your kitchen, you know something delicious is about to happen. Picture a plate of pasta, perfectly twirled into a nest, glistening with olive oil and sprinkled with the vibrant hues of fresh basil. The burst of flavors in each bite makes this sundried tomato pasta an unforgettable culinary experience.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this pasta will steal the show. Trust me; your taste buds will be dancing the tango with joy as you savor every mouthful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can whip up this sundried tomato pasta in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights
- The combination of rich flavors will keep everyone asking for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table
- This dish is versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand
I still remember the first time I made this sundried tomato pasta for my friends. They were skeptically eyeing the unfamiliar ingredient but soon devoured every last bite, leaving me both relieved and proud.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Any type works well here; I love using penne or spaghetti for their ability to hold sauce.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose either packed in oil or dried; both add incredible depth and flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the dish; minced garlic enhances that aromatic punch.
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Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil infuses richness into your sauce.
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Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds brightness and color, so don’t skip this essential herb!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan brings that nutty flavor profile, making each bite delightful.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings enhance all the other flavors; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on your counter. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic to have everything ready for action.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt generously. Toss in your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: In a pan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about two minutes.
Add Cooked Pasta to Sauce: Once your pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water before draining it. Toss the drained pasta into your pan with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic mixture.
Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Gradually mix in grated parmesan cheese along with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing everything to blend beautifully.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Finally, toss in fresh basil leaves just before serving for that vibrant pop of color and flavor!
Now you’re ready to enjoy a plateful of delightful sundried tomato pasta that’ll have everyone wondering why they didn’t come over sooner!
You Must Know
- This sundried tomato pasta recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The robust flavors and delightful aromas make it a standout dish for any occasion
- Plus, you can easily whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal flavor and texture, cook the pasta while sautéing the garlic and tomatoes. This way, everything melds together beautifully, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your sundried tomato pasta by adding spinach, grilled chicken, or even feta cheese for a creamy twist. These additions can elevate the dish to new heights of deliciousness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sundried tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil for moisture and warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This flavorful sundried tomato pasta is simple yet impressive enough for guests
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the dish’s richness and depth
- It’s also a great opportunity to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness
A friend once told me that this sundried tomato pasta made her fall in love with cooking again. She said it reminded her of summer dinners on her grandmother’s patio, surrounded by laughter and joy.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will give a lighter taste but may require longer cooking time.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti work well, but feel free to use your favorite.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and load up on veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Sundried Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Sundried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning meal. Bursting with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, each bite offers a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this pasta dish celebrates vibrant flavors and colors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or spaghetti
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil or dried)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; chop sun-dried tomatoes and mince garlic.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Reserve some pasta water, drain the cooked pasta, then add it to the skillet with the garlic-tomato mixture.
- Mix in grated parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in fresh basil just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
