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This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is perfect as a busy weeknight meal. It is so simple and easy to make and something the whole family will enjoy! This new pasta recipe is sure to become a favourite!

Sun dried tomato pasta with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy

Why this recipe works

Pasta is one of those recipes that is great any time of year! While it may be thought of for those cooler days, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for keeping you out of the heat of the kitchen! On top of that, it only uses a handful of ingredients! This easy sun dried tomato pasta really is great for an easy weeknight meal!

While a creamy pasta with sundried tomatoes often has quite a few calories added in the sauce, this delicious sauce is incredibly simple and doesn’t use cream! With the sweet sun-dried tomatoes and the delicious parmesan cheese, you don’t need much else!

Ingredients to make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Ingredients to make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.
  1. Pasta – Choose your favourite pasta for this sun-dried tomato pasta. I love a pasta shape that holds onto the flavour well such as penne pasta.
  2. Jar of Sun-Dried Tomatoes – adds such a great flavour to pasta dishes. Be sure to drain oil-packed tomatoes before using them.
  3. Garlic – brings a great umami flavour.
  4. Olive Oil – from the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes jar, if available.
  5. Red Pepper Flakes – are optional and add a bit of heat.
  6. Grated Parmesan Cheese – If you are vegan or dairy-free, vegan parmesan cheese will work great.
  7. Fresh Basil or Parsley – are a great garnish.
  8. Salt and Pepper – help to accentuate the other flavours.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can put fresh tomatoes in at the end, cook them up in a pan, or roast them.
  • Olive Oil – If you don’t have oil left over from the sun-dried tomatoes, you can use extra virgin olive oil or another neutral oil.
  • Seasonings – If you’d like to add other seasonings, you could try Italian seasoning.

Variations

  • Spicy – For a spicy sundried tomato pasta, add in some chili powder.
  • Deluxe – Finish by mixing in some spinach or top with fresh herbs. Squeeze some lemon juice on at the end for the perfect finish! Serve alongside some garlic bread and you have a meal worthy of date nights!
  • Kid friendly – This is a great family-friendly dish. If your kids don’t like tomatoes, you could add those in after serving.

How to make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

cooking pasta in a pot of salted water.

Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.

frying garlic on olive oil in a pan.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (or for 30 seconds).

cooking sun dried tomatoes in a pan with garlic.

Step 3: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute at a medium heat, stirring. 

adding pasta with grated parmesan cheese to the pan.

Step 4: Drain the cooked pasta, and add to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Add parmesan and toss all gently to combine. Serve pasta warm in a large serving bowl, garnished with chopped basil and optionally red pepper flakes.

Hint: If you prefer al dente pasta, make sure not to overcook the pasta. Also, keep a bit of pasta water in case you want to use it for the sauce.

Leftovers

If you have leftover pasta, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You might want to add a splash of water to loosen the pasta.

Recipe FAQs

Why do people recommend reserving a cup of the pasta water?

The starchy water leftover from cooking the pasta can be great to help with the sauce. It can help to make the sauce a bit thicker and stick better to the noodles. When draining the pasta, it’s always good to save a cup of pasta water in case you need it.

What flavour are sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes have a very strong flavour. They are more flavourful than fresh tomatoes and have a very different texture. They also have a bit of a smoky flavour.

More Pasta Recipes

pasta with sun dried tomatoes, parmesan and fresh basil.

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5 from 1 vote

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This easy and delicious Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is packed with the rich, tangy flavour of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
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Ingredients 

  • 225 g of your favourite pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil),, drained and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, from the sun-dried tomatoes jar, if available
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for a bit of heat
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley, I used basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
  • In the meantime, heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (or for 30 seconds).
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
  • Drain the cooked pasta, and add to the pan with the tomatoes and garlic. Add parmesan and toss all gently to combine. Serve pasta warm, garnished with chopped basil and optionally red pepper flakes.

Notes

Step-by-Step Photos: My blog post includes helpful step-by-step photos to help guide you through making this recipe.
Substitutions & Variations: I have included a list of these in the post above.
To Store: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
To Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tip 1: If you want more of a creamy sauce, you can use heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, and some reserved pasta water. You could also make up a white wine sauce.
Tip 2: For a more tomatoey sauce, add in some tomato paste.
Tip 3: If you aren’t vegetarian, you could add in some Italian sausage or chicken breast to this sun dried tomato basil pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 661kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g
Did you make this recipe? Tag me Today!Tag @HealthyLivingJames on Instagram and use #HealthyLivingJames!

About James Wythe

Hey, I'm James! A fully qualified health coach, cookbook author, full time food blogger and new dad with over 1 million followers. I started this journey after a sudden illness left me bed bound for 2 years and housebound for 4 years! I’m here to help you make healthy and delicious food for you and your family in less time!

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