Name: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta: 30 Min Creamy Dream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pasta; 1 pound pre-cooked Italian sausage; 7 ounces sun dried tomatoes in oil; 4 cloves garlic; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 4 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

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Sun dried tomato pasta has a way of making any weeknight feel special, and this creamy version is no exception. I remember the first time I tried making a restaurant-style pasta dish at home, and I was a little intimidated. But once I discovered how simple it is to create this rich, flavorful sauce, it quickly became one of my go-to meals. The aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes simmering in the pan is absolutely heavenly, and the combination of savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach coated in that luscious sauce is pure comfort. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this unbelievably delicious meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll absolutely adore how it transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

It’s incredibly flavorful with that perfect balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce.
This is truly an easy sun dried tomato pasta that comes together with minimal fuss.
You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in 30 minutes or less, making it a quick sun dried tomato pasta option.
The combination of Italian sausage, spinach, and Parmesan adds wonderful depth and texture.
It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences.
The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying without being too heavy.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests.

Ingredients for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Gathering these sun dried tomato pasta ingredients is the first step to a truly delicious meal. I find that using good quality ingredients really makes a difference, especially with the sun-dried tomatoes and cheese. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 pound dried pasta – I like using penne or fettuccine for this creamy sauce to cling to.
1 pound pre-cooked Italian sausage – You can use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
7 ounces sun dried tomatoes in oil – Draining them saves you a step, and the oil adds flavor to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic – Minced finely for maximum flavor distribution.
1 cup chicken broth – This helps deglaze the pan and build the sauce base.
1 1/2 cups heavy cream – The key to that luscious, creamy texture.
4 cups baby spinach – It wilts down beautifully and adds a touch of freshness and color.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always best for melting and flavor.

Key Ingredients Explained

The magic of this dish really comes from a few key players. The sun dried tomatoes provide a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor that’s irreplaceable. Then, the heavy cream creates that wonderfully rich and velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Finally, the Parmesan cheese melts in, adding a salty, nutty depth that makes this the best sun dried tomato pasta.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This recipe makes it so easy to master that amazing sun dried tomato pasta sauce. I’ve found that the key to a perfect sun dried tomato pasta dish is to build flavor in layers, and this method ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness. It’s a straightforward process, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a truly satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get your pasta cooking first! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your dried pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. While the pasta cooks, drain about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar and set it aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: While the pasta is boiling, let’s start on the sauce. Heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your pre-cooked Italian sausage and sauté it for about 5 minutes, just until it gets a nice little bit of browning. This step really develops the sausage’s flavor. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh olive oil if needed, then add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they’re wonderfully fragrant. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma of garlic and tomatoes mingling.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom from the sausage and tomatoes. It also starts to reduce the liquid, concentrating the flavor for our sun dried tomato pasta sauce.

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Combining and Finishing

Step 5: Now, pour in the heavy cream and add the baby spinach. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until the spinach wilts down beautifully into the sauce, which usually takes just a minute or two.
Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked pasta and the browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and sausage are thoroughly coated in that glorious creamy sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even more decadent. Give it a final stir to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your homemade sun dried tomato pasta!

Pro Tips for the Best Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this creamy pasta absolutely perfect every time. Following these tips will elevate your homemade dish from good to unforgettable!

Always use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; the oil is flavorful and helps start the sauce.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It’s your secret weapon for achieving the ideal sauce consistency.
Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh – pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy sun dried tomato pasta?

The real secret to achieving that perfect creamy texture for your sun dried tomato pasta is in the technique of building the sauce base and using the starchy pasta water. This combination creates a rich, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making it the best sun dried tomato pasta dish you’ll ever create. For more on creating perfect pasta sauces, check out this guide on homemade tomato sauce.

Can I make sun dried tomato pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep components ahead of time! You can cook the pasta and brown the sausage a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sausage, then prepare the sauce and combine everything as per the recipe, adding the cooked pasta to the sauce to finish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade sun dried tomato pasta?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta, which can lead to a mushy dish. Always cook it al dente! Another mistake is not letting the sauce simmer long enough to thicken; give the cream and broth time to reduce slightly. Finally, avoid using dried herbs; fresh basil or parsley adds a much brighter flavor. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our spaghetti with garlic and oil.

Best Ways to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This versatile pasta dish is fantastic on its own, but I love to pair it with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. It’s a wonderful main course that doesn’t need much fuss, but here are a few favorite sun dried tomato pasta dish ideas. Consider serving it with a light, crisp salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette; the acidity cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Another great option is some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce – it’s the ultimate sun dried tomato pasta side dish. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added, but honestly, this dish is so satisfying, it stands perfectly well on its own.

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Nutrition Facts for Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This rich and satisfying pasta dish is a treat! Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional highlights per serving, so you know what you’re enjoying. Getting accurate sun dried tomato pasta calories is always helpful for meal planning.

Calories: 536 kcal
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Protein: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 829 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

I love making a big batch of this delicious pasta with sun dried tomatoes because leftovers are just as amazing as the fresh dish. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let the pasta cool down completely on the counter for about an hour before you store it. This is important to prevent condensation inside your storage container, which can make the pasta mushy. Then, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep this creamy pasta goodness for even longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and pop them into the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce and ensure it stays creamy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the pasta texture a bit gummy.

Variations of Sun Dried Tomato Pasta You Can Try

This creamy pasta is so adaptable, and I love experimenting with different additions to keep things exciting! You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for your next batch of sun dried tomato pasta.

Vegetarian Delight: For a fantastic sun dried tomato pasta vegetarian option, simply omit the Italian sausage. You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for more substance.
Protein Powerhouse: If you’re a fan of chicken, this dish is already perfect, but you can also try it with grilled chicken breast sliced and tossed in at the end. For a seafood twist, cooked shrimp or scallops are also wonderful additions to this sun dried tomato pasta with chicken style dish.
Spicy Kick: Want to add some heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Lighter Version: While the cream is what makes it so decadent, you could try using half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a slightly lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Can I make this sun dried tomato pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly easy to adapt for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to give the dish more substance and flavor. It’s a wonderful vegetarian take on this classic pasta dish.

What kind of pasta is best for sun dried tomato pasta?

I find that medium-sized shapes with ridges or twists work best for this creamy sauce, as they really hold onto it. Penne, rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even fettuccine are excellent choices for a tomato and pasta dish like this. The sauce clings beautifully to these shapes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. For another delicious pasta option, consider our pappardelle with beef ragu.

How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?

If your sauce seems a bit too thin after combining everything, don’t worry! You can thicken it by letting it simmer gently for a few more minutes, uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Another effective method is to whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this sun dried tomato pasta?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and welcomes other vegetables. I love adding sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. Artichoke hearts also pair wonderfully with sun-dried tomatoes and pasta. Just sauté or steam your chosen veggies before adding them to the sauce in the final steps. For a refreshing side, try our mediterranean chickpea salad.