If you love dishes that are bursting with flavor yet come together in a snap, you are going to adore this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that brings the rich, tangy essence of sundried tomatoes and the creamy comfort of Parmesan all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and all made in one pan for effortless cleanup. This recipe is a true game changer when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Every bite is a warm hug of vibrant ingredients that come together so beautifully, making it a new favorite to add to your pasta rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a purpose and adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color, making the dish feel gourmet without any fuss.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the garlic and developing a fragrant base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: The star ingredient, delivering that rich, tangy intensity.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and infuses it with savory depth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the lush, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharpness and umami, elevating the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about one minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial as it releases the garlic’s sweet aromatics, setting a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Sundried Tomatoes
Next, add the chopped sundried tomatoes straight into the skillet with the garlic. Let them cook together for about two minutes so the tomatoes soften and their rich flavors meld with the oil and garlic. This step unlocks that characteristic intense tanginess that defines the dish.
Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then add the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Allow the pasta to cook right in the broth, stirring occasionally, until it becomes al dente according to the package directions. Cooking the pasta right in the broth makes sure it soaks up all that beautiful flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reduce the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional three to five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and luxuriously coat every piece of pasta. This creamy, cheesy sauce is exactly what makes this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Give everything one last gentle stir, then serve the pasta hot. You’ll find that the flavors are well balanced, with the zing of sundried tomatoes playing beautifully against the richness of the cream and cheese.
How to Serve One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top brightens this hearty dish with a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. For an extra savory touch, a few toasted pine nuts add crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect companions for mopping up that luscious sauce, making each meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the pasta in small ramekins or on individual plates garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for guests who love a little heat, turning this simple dish into a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to three days, making it a perfect choice for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Place them in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the creaminess might slightly change texture after freezing but it remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep everything evenly warmed and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and the dish remains just as flavorful and satisfying.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne or fusilli are ideal because their shapes trap the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand like rigatoni or farfalle.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes won’t give you the same concentrated flavor that sundried tomatoes provide. If you want a fresher taste, try roasting cherry tomatoes first to deepen their flavor before adding them.
Is this recipe gluten-free adaptable?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu work wonderfully to make it a more substantial meal while keeping all those fantastic flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and fuss-free, I can’t recommend this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe enough. It’s become one of my absolute favorites for busy evenings when I want something comforting yet bright and flavorful. Grab your skillet, gather the simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a pasta dinner that feels like a treat every time.
Print
One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring the tangy sweetness of sundried tomatoes, simmered with garlic, chicken broth, and enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting pasta makes a flavorful meal for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sauté sundried tomatoes: Add the chopped sundried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes to allow their flavor to infuse the oil and garlic.
- Add broth and pasta: Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats the pasta.
- Season: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the pasta hot for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish can enhance freshness and color.
- Use sundried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor or rehydrate dry sundried tomatoes in warm water before chopping.
