Some recipes are born out of necessity, others out of love—and the best ones often come from both. This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Weeknight Favorite is the kind of dish you turn to after a long day, when you want something comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for quiet weeknights, casual family dinners, or those moments when you crave a restaurant-style pasta made entirely at home.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from Mediterranean home cooking, where pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and pasta are transformed into meals full of character. Sun-dried tomatoes, with their concentrated sweetness and tang, bring depth and richness that make this dish feel special despite its simplicity. Over the years, this pasta has become a reliable favorite—easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you are a busy professional, a college student, or simply someone who wants a comforting bowl of pasta without the fuss, this recipe is a true weeknight hero.

Cooking with sun-dried tomatoes may sound fancy, but it is surprisingly simple. Unlike fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes are concentrated in flavor, which means they add a natural sweetness and an umami depth that instantly elevates any dish. Their chewy texture and bold taste make every bite of pasta feel intentional and rich, without needing complicated sauces or long simmering times. This is exactly why this pasta has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight meal rotation.

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Why This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Works So Well

This pasta recipe succeeds because it balances bold flavors with ease of preparation. Sun-dried tomatoes add intensity without needing long cooking times, while garlic and herbs create a savory backbone. A creamy yet light sauce coats every strand of pasta, making each bite indulgent without feeling heavy. The key is the layering of flavors: the garlic is gently sautéed to release its aroma, the sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with tanginess, and the Parmesan-style cheese adds a nutty, savory richness that rounds everything out.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the ingredients scale easily. You can adjust the creaminess, spice level, or add vegetables depending on what you have on hand. For instance, baby spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even zucchini can easily be stirred in to make the dish more substantial or nutritious. Most importantly, it delivers consistent results—making it a true weeknight hero that you can trust to turn out well every time.

Another reason this pasta shines is its simplicity. Unlike recipes that require multiple pots, complicated techniques, or long simmering times, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited, but you still want a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s also an excellent recipe for beginner cooks because the steps are straightforward, but the flavor profile is anything but basic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need (with Measurements)

• Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): 12 ounces (340 g)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced): 1 cup (150 g)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves, minced: 4 cloves
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Grated Parmesan-style cheese: ¾ cup (75 g)
• Red chili flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon
• Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Fresh basil, chopped: ¼ cup (about 10 g)
• Pasta cooking water (reserved): ½ cup (120 ml)

Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes rather than dry ones for the best texture and flavor. Fresh basil enhances the aroma and adds a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. The cheese doesn’t need to be expensive, but a good Parmesan-style cheese will melt beautifully and give the sauce that classic creamy, nutty finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it will help adjust the sauce later.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
3. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes. This allows their flavor to infuse the oil and gives the sauce a richer depth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce slightly.
6. Sprinkle in the grated cheese and slowly add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The result should be creamy but not runny.
7. Remove from heat and fold in the fresh basil, which adds a bright, aromatic finish.
8. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired. For added texture, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil works beautifully.

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Tips for the Best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They offer better flavor and texture compared to dry ones, which may need rehydration.
• Sauté garlic carefully: Cook only until fragrant to avoid a burnt taste.
• Reserve pasta water: This is a secret trick to achieving silky, cohesive sauces.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the dish just before serving and tweak salt or pepper for maximum flavor.
• Optional extras: Spinach, zucchini, roasted peppers, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread. It works well as a main dish or as a side for a larger spread. For weeknight meals, it stands perfectly on its own—comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Serve with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of color and taste. Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal prep, although the sauce is always best enjoyed fresh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, this sun-dried tomato pasta can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal planning. To prepare it in advance, cook the pasta and sauce as directed, then allow it to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, careful reheating helps maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and hollow centers hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of sun-dried tomato. Long pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine also works well, especially if you prefer a more traditional presentation. The key is cooking the pasta al dente so it maintains structure when tossed with the sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used, though you may need to adjust cooking times and add a bit more pasta water to achieve the right consistency.

3. Can I make this recipe lighter without losing flavor?

Absolutely. To lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a light cooking cream. Another option is to reduce the amount of cheese slightly and rely more on the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs for flavor. Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can also make the dish feel lighter while increasing its nutritional value. The key is maintaining balance—sun-dried tomatoes are bold enough that even a lighter sauce still tastes rich and satisfying. For a vegan alternative, coconut cream and vegan cheese can be used, keeping the same creamy texture and flavor profile.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or dry?

The most important step is reserving pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water helps loosen the sauce while keeping it cohesive. If the sauce thickens too much while cooking or after sitting, simply add a few tablespoons of pasta water or warm milk and stir gently until the desired consistency is reached. Avoid cooking the sauce over high heat for too long, as this can cause it to reduce too quickly. Gentle heat and gradual adjustments ensure a smooth, creamy finish every time. Stirring constantly and tasting as you go is a simple trick to achieving restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Weeknight Favorite proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a short list of accessible ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it delivers flavors that feel thoughtful, comforting, and indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your regular rotation—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s genuinely enjoyable to eat.

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can follow the recipe exactly as written for a consistently delicious result or tweak it to suit your taste. For example, adding a handful of arugula at the end provides a peppery contrast, while a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds crunch and depth. The recipe is forgiving, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. Even if you accidentally add a little too much cheese or cream, a splash of pasta water fixes the consistency, ensuring every plate comes out perfect.

Cooking at home should feel empowering, not stressful. This pasta encourages you to enjoy the process, from the sizzle of garlic in the pan to the aroma of creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Every step feels satisfying, and the end result is a bowl of pasta that tastes like you spent hours creating it, even if it came together in 30 minutes. Beyond being delicious, it’s versatile, comforting, and memorable—a recipe that brings people together over the dinner table, week after week.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining friends, or preparing a quiet solo dinner, this dish fits the occasion beautifully. Its simplicity, reliability, and bold flavor make it an excellent choice for any home cook. Over time, you may even find yourself experimenting with it, adding roasted vegetables, swapping the pasta type, or adjusting the seasonings to make it your own. That’s the hallmark of a true favorite recipe: simple to make, endlessly flexible, and impossible not to love.

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