Luscious Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful sun-dried tomato pasta recipe promises a culinary adventure that sparks joy in your kitchen.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that comfort and excite.

Mediterranean influences shine through every twirled forkful of this rustic dish.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes bring intense, concentrated sweetness that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this quick and elegant meal.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, tangy notes that make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

You cannot resist the temptation of this irresistible pasta that beckons from the plate.

Ways To Customize Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Vegan Tomato Cream Pasta: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based cream, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast, and add cashew cream for richness.
• Gluten-Free Herb Pasta: Substitute flour with cornstarch, use gluten-free pasta, and increase herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor.
• Protein-Packed Mediterranean Version: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas, incorporate roasted red peppers, and use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Option: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream, replace butter with avocado oil, and add extra lemon zest for brightness.

Serving Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Style

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Protein Pairing: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this pasta into a heartier main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Companion: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy, tangy sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Bread Side: Pair with warm garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to your meal.

Storing Tips For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to maintain pasta texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality.

FAQs

• What are sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated in the sun or through artificial heat, concentrating their sweet and tangy flavor, making them a rich, intense ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes have a concentrated, slightly sweet and tangy taste that’s crucial to this pasta’s unique profile.

• Is this pasta sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products, using ingredients like butter, cream, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

The Charm Of Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Craft Quick Comfort: Whip up a luxurious pasta dish with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transform everyday pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels gourmet.
• Versatile Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a creamy, tangy sauce that packs a punch with wine, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, making every bite exciting and complex.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken or shrimp for pasta, adjust cream levels, or add extra veggies to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet, and tangy tomatoes that add a rich, intense flavor to the sauce.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that provides a fresh and vibrant touch to the pasta.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cream: Provides a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Garlic, Flour: Work together to create a roux that thickens and flavors the sauce.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Bring brightness and depth to the overall taste profile.
• Dijon Mustard, Italian Seasoning: Add complexity and herbal notes to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the dish's flavors.

Cooking Directions For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Carefully add pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add flour and minced garlic, stirring quickly to create a fragrant roux.

Cook for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Build Liquid Layers

Pour in the wine, whisking smoothly to incorporate.

• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Italian seasoning

Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, creating a rich, concentrated flavor foundation.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the skillet.

Allow the mixture to bubble gently for approximately 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Finish With Greens And Cheese

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Add spinach leaves and let them wilt into the creamy sauce, creating a vibrant green contrast.

Step 6: Combine And Serve

Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

Toss the pasta directly into the sauce, using reserved water if needed to adjust consistency.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Helpful Hints For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Success

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help thin or thicken your sauce, ensuring perfect consistency every time.
• Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for more intense flavor and easier chopping compared to dry varieties.
• Replace spinach with arugula or kale for a different nutritional profile and peppery or earthy taste variation.
• Substitute cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a vegan-friendly version of the dish.
• Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as this recipe moves quickly and requires immediate attention to prevent burning or overcooking.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sun-dried tomato pasta brings zesty flavors from Italy’s coastal kitchens, blending rich tomatoes and fragrant herbs. Quick and elegant, this dish offers a delightful culinary escape you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) sun-dried tomatoes
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/3 cup (33 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon (4 grams) flour
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly tender with a slight bite, typically 8-10 minutes.
2. In a skillet, gently melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour and minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to create a light roux.
4. Pour in white wine, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic Italian seasoning, whisking to combine and allow the liquid to reduce by half.
5. Fold sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream into the sauce, letting it simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
6. Incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and rich texture.
7. Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, allowing them to gently wilt and release their vibrant green color.
8. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water, and combine with the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency if needed.
9. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, serving immediately while hot and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Create a silky, luxurious sauce by gradually whisking ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
• Balance the intense sun-dried tomato flavor by adding a splash of pasta water, which helps mellow the sauce and provides perfect pasta coating.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version, maintaining the rich, creamy texture.
• Elevate the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a more substantial meal that satisfies different nutritional preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg