Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish packed with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious and tangy cream sauce, elevated with Italian seasoning and fresh basil garnish for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the creaminess will be reduced.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the richest flavor; if using dry, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free of animal rennet.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
