Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Savor the rich and rustic flavors of Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, a quick and easy pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with the bold, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, enhanced by the aromatic warmth of garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A combination of reserved pasta water, olive oil, and melted Parmesan cheese creates a light, silky sauce that clings to every bite. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, making this dish both vibrant and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes and brimming with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or crusty bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g penne pasta
• 150 g sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 120 ml pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, drain the sun-dried tomatoes from the oil and roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the oil from the jar.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil along with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir well to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(769.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2656.7

Total Fat 114.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 4538.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 335.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 21.6g
Protein 81.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 685.5mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 5442.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.2%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 49.7%