Hey there, my friend 
. This creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta is the kind of meal that makes you want to lick the plate. The sauce? So creamy and rich, with a deep, slightly tangy flavor from those sun-dried tomatoes.
And the best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large pot
- Large pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls of pasta
- Estimated Cost: This recipe will cost around $10-$12, depending on the ingredients you already have.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 500 calories
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: All year round
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dish and how to prepare it.
Ingredients You Need
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach (optional, for extra greens)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or coconut cream |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) |
| Butter | Olive oil |
| Pasta | Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Roasted cherry tomatoes |
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute to release their flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and mix well to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. If using spinach, add it now and let it wilt.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. If using dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps bind the sauce to the pasta and makes it creamy.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or more pasta water to loosen it.
- Want protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- For a richer flavor, toast the garlic for an extra 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This pasta is a meal on its own, but if you want something extra, here are some great pairings:
- Garlic bread – Because more garlic is always a good idea.
- Side salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances out the richness.
- Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus work well.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving this pasta in wide bowls to catch all the sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top make it look (and taste) even better.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This pasta is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners – Quick, easy, and satisfying.
- Romantic date nights – It feels fancy but is so simple to make.
- Dinner parties – Easy to scale up for a crowd.
- Meal prep – Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftover pasta covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and it needs to be refrigerated.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The sauce may separate slightly, but stirring in a little cream or milk will fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss in freshly cooked pasta.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu all go well with this pasta. Just cook them separately and add them in at the end.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up while stirring.
Meta Description
Creamy garlic sun-dried tomato pasta recipe made in 25 minutes! A rich, flavorful dish with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky smooth sauce.