Description
A rich and creamy sun-dried tomato pasta featuring penne or rigatoni tossed in a luscious heavy cream and Parmesan sauce, enhanced with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This simple stovetop recipe delivers a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- Salt, for boiling water
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomato jar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spices: Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate cream: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Add cheese and finish seasoning: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Serve garnished: Plate the pasta immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar if available to enhance the tomato flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried oregano or parsley for a different herbal note.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, creamy pasta sauce, sun-dried tomato recipe
