Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe | Creamy & Flavorful Dish
I made this Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe recently and I just had to share the recipe with you — it turned out so good that I’m already planning to make it again next week. It’s quick, comforting, and feels a bit fancy even though it’s simple to pull off. The rich, slightly tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes combined with a creamy sauce and freshly grated cheese — well, it’s become one of my go-to weeknight dinners.
I love that it doesn’t require many ingredients and doesn’t take ages to make. If you’re after a delicious pasta dish that’s both easy and satisfying, this one hits the sweet spot. You can also enjoy similar comfort with a Skirt Steak Fajitas Recipe for a hearty meal night.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta – 8 oz (about 225 g) penne pasta — short, ridged pasta like penne holds the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil — adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced — fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor; avoid jarred garlic.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – 1/2 cup finely diced sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil) — deep, sweet-tart tomato flavor.
- Cooking Cream – 1 cup cream — creates a smooth, silky, lightly rich sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water – 1 cup — the starch helps thicken and bind the sauce perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan — fresh cheese melts better and tastes richer.
- Dried Basil – 1/2 teaspoon — adds a subtle herby note.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon — or adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground — adds warmth and balance.
- Fresh Parsley – about 1/2 teaspoon chopped — for garnish and freshness.
Note: serves four as a main course
Variations
If you want to adapt this recipe to different tastes or dietary needs, here are some great options:
- Use dairy-free cream alternatives like oat or cashew cream for a vegan version.
- Replace Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a spicy kick. You might also pair it with a Spicy Southern Hot Corn Recipe for an extra touch of heat.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil for a different herb profile.
- Try other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini.
- Mix in veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large pot — to boil the pasta.
- Colander — to drain the pasta while reserving water.
- Large skillet — to sauté garlic, tomatoes, and build the sauce.
- Cheese grater — for freshly grated Parmesan.
- Spoon or spatula — to combine pasta and sauce smoothly.
How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain it, but make sure to reserve one cup of the pasta water — this is essential for the sauce.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about two minutes until fragrant and softened.
Make the Sauce & Combine
Pour in the cream and reserved pasta water, letting it simmer gently. Add the cooked pasta, reduce heat, and stir in Parmesan, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and coats every piece of pasta. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always grate Parmesan fresh — it melts better and tastes richer.
- I never skip the pasta water — it makes the sauce smooth and silky.
- I sauté the garlic only briefly to avoid bitterness.
- I prefer sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil because they add better flavor and texture.
- I sometimes toss in a handful of spinach or arugula for freshness and color.
How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta
Serve this pasta immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Twirl it into shallow bowls for a restaurant-style presentation and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or cracked pepper. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition profile:
- Calories: 563 kcal
- Protein: ~16 g
- Carbohydrates: ~53 g
- Fat: ~33 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended because the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture after thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this dish is such a favorite:
- It’s incredibly quick — ready in under 30 minutes.
- It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
- The flavor is rich, creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
- It’s easy to customize for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- It’s great for both casual dinners and serving guests.
If you need further adjustments, rewrites, or another recipe in this style, feel free to ask!
Sun Dried Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente. Drain it, but make sure to reserve one cup of the pasta water — this is essential for the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about two minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the cream and reserved pasta water, letting it simmer gently. Add the cooked pasta, reduce heat, and stir in Parmesan, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and coats every piece of pasta. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- I always grate Parmesan fresh — it melts better and tastes richer.
- I never skip the pasta water — it makes the sauce smooth and silky.
- I sauté the garlic only briefly to avoid bitterness.
- I prefer sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil because they add better flavor and texture.
- I sometimes toss in a handful of spinach or arugula for freshness and color.