Penne Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender penne tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce infused with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of Parmesan, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort food and Mediterranean flair. A touch of heavy cream adds luscious texture, while optional red pepper flakes bring a gentle kick for spice lovers. Perfect for casual family meals or dinner parties, this vibrant pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. Easy to make yet delightfully gourmet, it’s a must-try for pasta enthusiasts everywhere!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and create a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce’s consistency, if needed.
Step 6
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, then add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves.
Step 8
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1074.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3210.3 |
| Total Fat 161.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 66.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 275.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4766.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 311.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 30.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 34.3g | |
| Protein 106.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1564.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 22.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 4378.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories