Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
This is like sun dried tomato pesto, but it's creamy and the flavor of the sun dried tomatoes and basil is a lot more intense! I like to serve it hot, like other creamy pastas I make, but people I've given leftovers to tell me that they like it at room temperature too. This version has spinach tossed through it but it's also lovely with chicken, shrimp/prawns, roasted vegetables and even bacon!
This is like sun dried tomato pesto, but it's creamy and the flavor of the sun dried tomatoes and basil is a lot more intense! I like to serve it hot, like other creamy pastas I make, but people I've given leftovers to tell me that they like it at room temperature too. This version has spinach tossed through it but it's also lovely with chicken, shrimp/prawns, roasted vegetables and even bacon!
- pepper
- parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (tightly packed) sun dried tomatoes roughly chopped (note 1) + more for garnish
- 1/2 cup basil leaves ( lightly packed)
- 1/4 cup yoghurt or sour cream ((optional) (note 2))
- 1/4 cup cream ((note 3))
- 1 3/4 cups milk ((i use low fat))
- 1 tbsp tomato paste ((optional) (note 4))
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese ( finely grated)
- 300 g pasta of choice ((i like penne/ziti))
- 1 tbsp oil from sun dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves ( crushed)
- 1 small onion ( finely diced (brown, white or yellow))
- 4 cups (tightly packed) finely shredded fresh english s
- fresh basil ( finely shredded)
- Carbohydrate 0.0372395312330833 g
- Cholesterol 0.2291666663 mg
- Fat 0.0758465623807917 g
- Fiber 0.0109036458333333 g
- Protein 0.10466171858975 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0454579165945792 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (78g)
- Sodium 3.99987499362917 mg
- Sugar 0.02633588539975 g
- Trans Fat 0.00464354165932919 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the Creamy Sauce ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Adjust salt to your taste.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook for 20 seconds, then add onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta of choice in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (just cooked through but still firm). SCOOP out 1 mug of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta into the skillet, then pour the Creamy Sauce in, all the spinach and about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce and to wilt the spinach. Cook, stirring gently, for about 2 minutes until the sauce is warmed through. Adjust salt to taste.
- Use the remaining pasta water to get the sauce to the consistency you want.
- Remove from the stove and serve immediately, with more parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
A Weeknight Pasta Dream: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and satisfying meals. This sun-dried tomato pasta recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet incredibly flavorful – a perfect balance of creamy richness and bright, sun-kissed taste. Forget the takeout menus; this recipe is your new go-to for a comforting and impressive meal that the whole family will love.
What sets this pasta apart is its vibrant, intense flavor. It’s more than just your average tomato pasta; the sun-dried tomatoes deliver a depth of flavor that's both savory and slightly sweet. The creamy sauce, a delightful blend of milk, cream, and parmesan cheese, coats the pasta perfectly, creating a luxurious texture that's simply irresistible. I usually use penne or ziti, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I love it served hot, fresh from the pan, I've found that it tastes just as delicious at room temperature, making it perfect for lunchboxes or potlucks. The recipe is easily adaptable; I often add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky note that elevates the dish even further. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: Simple Elegance on a Weeknight
This dish isn't just about the amazing taste; it's about simplicity and ease. In the midst of juggling work, family, and all the other demands of modern life, finding a recipe that’s both delicious and quick to prepare is a true blessing. This sun-dried tomato pasta fits the bill perfectly. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and basil creates a beautiful, almost Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transports you to warmer climates, even on a chilly evening. The creamy texture makes it incredibly satisfying, and it's the kind of meal that leaves you feeling nourished and content, without the fuss of a complicated cooking process.
Tips and Variations:
For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the creamy sauce. It deepens the tomato flavor beautifully.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken or bacon and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
Add some greens: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce, adding a pop of color and nutrients.
Garnish generously: Fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese are the perfect finishing touches.
The Comfort Factor:
More than just a meal, this sun-dried tomato pasta is a comfort food. The familiar flavors, the creamy texture, the ease of preparation – it’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug on a stressful day. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it's a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. And in the end, isn’t that what cooking is all about? Creating something delicious, but also creating something meaningful – a meal that nourishes not only the body but also the soul.
