Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that doesn’t require hours of prep or endless chopping. Enter Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop, a true weeknight lifesaver for busy evenings when you want something delicious but easy. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that’s both comforting and impressive — without demanding your whole evening in the kitchen.

This recipe was inspired by countless busy weeknights when I craved a pasta dish that felt indulgent yet didn’t require a mountain of prep. Traditionally, pasta recipes demand chopping onions, garlic, or even roasting vegetables, but this version skips all of that without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect example of “less work, more taste,” making it ideal for families, students, or anyone who loves a quick, satisfying dinner.

Whether it’s a cozy night at home after a long day or a spontaneous dinner with friends, this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop is the ultimate solution. The rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes creates a burst of flavor in every bite, while fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan (or your favorite plant-based alternative) make the dish feel special. And the best part? You can throw it together in under 30 minutes!

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Why This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Is a Weeknight Game-Changer

1. Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Sun-dried tomatoes act as the flavor powerhouse, meaning you don’t need to chop a single onion or sauté garlic separately. Everything goes into one pan, giving you more time to relax while dinner cooks itself.

2. Quick Cooking Time
Busy weeknights often leave little room for elaborate meals. With this recipe, you can have a full, restaurant-quality pasta on the table in under 30 minutes. The sauce comes together while your pasta cooks, making it a seamless experience.

3. Versatile and Adaptable
This pasta is incredibly versatile. You can add in spinach, mushrooms, or even cooked chicken or shrimp if you want to make it heartier. It’s perfect for customizing to your family’s tastes without complicating the process.

4. Creamy and Indulgent
Despite its simplicity, the sauce is rich and creamy, coating every noodle perfectly. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a natural tanginess, while the cream (or dairy-free substitute) balances it with silkiness. The result is indulgent without feeling heavy.

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Ingredients for Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work best)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped (no need to chop finely)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for vegan option
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Directions to Make This Weeknight Magic Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
3. Add cream and broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Stir in parmesan (or nutritional yeast) until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until every piece is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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Tips for Making the Best Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They provide richer flavor than the dry variety.
• Reserve pasta water: Adding a bit of pasta water helps the sauce cling to noodles perfectly.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente noodles absorb the sauce better without becoming mushy.
• Experiment with proteins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu can easily elevate this dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop

1. Can I make this pasta dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The result is still creamy and rich, but dairy-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

2. Can I use dry sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but dry sun-dried tomatoes need to be rehydrated first. Soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the sauce. The oil-packed variety is preferred because it gives the sauce more natural richness and depth of flavor.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. This pasta also freezes well, although the texture of fresh herbs may change slightly after thawing.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking method remains the same, and the flavor is just as delicious. Just be mindful of cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster or stick if overdone.

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Variations to Elevate Your Pasta Night

While this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop is fantastic as-is, you can tweak it to suit different occasions:

• Spinach and Mushroom Delight: Add fresh spinach and sliced mushrooms to the skillet when sautéing sun-dried tomatoes. This adds nutrients and extra flavor without extra prep.
• Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling dish. Pre-cooked proteins can be added directly to the sauce for even faster preparation.
• Herb Explosion: For a fresher taste, add chopped parsley, thyme, or oregano at the end of cooking. A drizzle of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella chunks before serving for a gooey, melty finish.

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The Magic Behind “No Chop” Cooking

What makes this recipe especially magical for weeknights is its no-chop approach. Sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings do the heavy lifting in flavor, eliminating the need for labor-intensive prep. For many home cooks, chopping onions, garlic, or fresh vegetables can be the most tedious part of dinner. By removing this step, the dish becomes not only faster but more approachable for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a stress-free weeknight meal.

Even better, this approach doesn’t compromise taste. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, combined with cream and broth, creates a sauce that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying. In just 20-25 minutes, you get a comforting pasta dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat, but is simple enough to whip up any night of the week.

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Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights are often packed with work, errands, or family responsibilities. Recipes like this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop are lifesavers because they:

• Reduce stress: Less prep means less mess and cleanup.
• Save time: From start to finish, dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Stay versatile: Adaptable to dietary restrictions or what’s in your pantry.
• Remain indulgent: Creamy, tangy, and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.

Even if you’ve had a long day, this pasta ensures you can enjoy a nourishing, flavorful dinner without feeling like you spent the entire evening in the kitchen.

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Final Thoughts

This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta No Chop is more than just a recipe — it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a comfort food classic, and proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Its simplicity is deceptive; the flavor is anything but basic. With sun-dried tomatoes, a creamy sauce, and a hint of seasoning, every bite feels like it belongs in a restaurant, yet you can make it from scratch in the comfort of your home in under half an hour.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its flexibility. You can dress it up with proteins, greens, or even a sprinkle of cheese, making it versatile enough for family dinners, date nights, or solo indulgent meals. It’s a recipe that empowers home cooks to enjoy flavorful pasta without the overwhelm of chopping, prepping, and multi-step cooking.

If you’re seeking weeknight magic in your kitchen, this dish delivers it in abundance. The creamy, tangy, and hearty pasta will satisfy cravings, bring comfort, and make dinner something you look forward to — even on the busiest of days. Keep this recipe handy, because it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. No chopping, no fuss, all flavor — that’s the real magic of this sun-dried tomato pasta.

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