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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
577 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.5 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 976 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 19.6 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 532 mg | 11% | |
*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.
