Sun Dried Tomato Cream Pasta

My Kind of Magic

I love a little kitchen magic. This one pot pasta is my favorite trick. You cook everything in one pan. No extra pots to wash. It makes a creamy sun dried tomato pasta that feels fancy.

It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner. You just add pasta and broth to the pan. The pasta soaks up all that good flavor. Doesn’t that sound simple? What’s your go-to meal when you’re really tired?

A Story in Every Bite

Sun-dried tomatoes always remind me of my friend Rosa. She had a tiny garden. One summer, she had too many tomatoes. So she dried them on her porch. She gave me a jar. I still laugh at that.

That’s why this recipe matters. It turns simple things into something special. A jar of tomatoes, some pasta, a little cream. It’s a lesson in making the most of what you have. That’s the heart of budget friendly recipes.

Why One Pot Meals Win

Less washing up means more living. That’s my rule. With quick pasta recipes like this, you get more time. Time to talk, to read, or to just sit. The pot does all the work for you.

*Fun fact*: Cooking the pasta right in the sauce is the secret. The starch from the pasta thickens the broth. It makes the creamiest pasta sauce. Have you tried a one pot meal before? What did you make?

Making It Your Own

This sun dried tomato pasta recipe is like a friendly base. You can play with it. No cream cheese? Try a splash of heavy cream. Want some green? Stir in spinach at the end.

That’s the second reason this matters. Good cooking builds your confidence. You start to trust your own taste. You learn what you like. Do you prefer your pasta extra creamy, or more saucy?

Ready in a Flash

From start to finish, it’s about 30 minutes. True 30 minute meals are a lifesaver. You sauté the garlic first. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It tells your whole house dinner is coming.

Then everything simmers together. The result is a one pot creamy pasta that comforts everyone. It’s warm, rich, and so satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try this week. Tell me, what’s cooking in your kitchen lately?

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, chop your sun dried tomatoes into little bits. I love their chewy, sweet taste. Add butter and minced garlic to your deep pot. Let the garlic sizzle until you can smell it. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This is the start of your creamy pasta sauce.

Step 2: Now, add the dry fettuccine right into the pot. Toss in the tomatoes, basil, pepper, and broth. (If the pasta sticks out, just snap it in half!) This trick makes a perfect one pot pasta. Stir everything so the pasta gets cozy in the broth.

Step 3: Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir it and turn the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. You want the pasta tender and the broth mostly gone. This is the secret for quick pasta recipes.

Step 4: Time for the creamy magic! Turn the heat to low. Drop in chunks of cream cheese. Stir until it melts into a dreamy sauce. (Always cut the cream cheese small so it melts fast). Then pour in the milk and stir.

Step 5: Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until your creamy sun dried tomato pasta is silky and perfect. Taste it! Do you think it needs a little more pepper? Share below! Your easy weeknight dinner is ready to enjoy.

Creative Twists

This sun dried tomato pasta recipe is so flexible. Try adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end. It wilts right in! You could also stir in some cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein. For a bit of crunch, top your bowl with buttery breadcrumbs. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This one pot creamy pasta is a full meal. But I love a simple green salad on the side. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for wiping the bowl clean. You could also add a lemon wedge for a bright squeeze. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Perfect

Let’s talk about storing this lovely pasta. It keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. The sauce gets thicker when it’s cold. That’s perfectly normal. Add a splash of milk when you reheat it. This brings back the creamy texture. Stir it gently in a pot on the stove.

You can freeze it for a busy night, too. I remember my first time freezing a creamy sauce. I was so worried it would separate. But it reheated just fine with a little extra love. Freeze it in a single layer in a bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming.

This is a wonderful dish for batch cooking. Making a double batch saves so much time. It turns this quick pasta recipe into an easy weeknight dinner later. Having a homemade meal ready matters. It makes a tough day feel softer and more cared for. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Sometimes our one pot meals need a little help. First, if your sauce is too thin, let it simmer. Keep the lid off for a few extra minutes. The liquid will reduce and thicken nicely. I once added the milk too early. Letting it cook a bit longer fixed everything.

Second, if the pasta seems sticky, add more liquid. A quarter cup of broth or milk will loosen it up. Stir it in until the sauce is smooth again. Third, if the flavor feels flat, add a pinch of salt. A little more Parmesan cheese works wonders too.

Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn that a mistake is not the end. It also makes the flavors in your creamy pasta sauce truly shine. Good food should make you happy. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is the best cream for sun dried tomato pasta?

This sun dried tomato pasta recipe uses cream cheese and whole milk. They make the best creamy sauce. The cream cheese gives a rich, tangy base. The whole milk makes it silky smooth. You do not need heavy cream. This combo is perfect for budget friendly recipes. It creates a luxurious, thick sauce that clings to every noodle beautifully.

How do you make sun dried tomato pasta sauce from scratch?

You make the sauce right in the pot with the pasta. Sauté garlic in butter first. This builds a flavor foundation. Then cook the pasta in broth with the tomatoes. Finally, stir in cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan. It all melts together into a creamy sun dried tomato pasta sauce. This one pot method means less cleanup and more flavor.

What can I add to sun dried tomato pasta to make it better?

Try adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end. It wilts right in. Cooked chicken or shrimp makes it a hearty meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Fresh basil on top is always a good idea. These are easy upgrades for your quick pasta recipes. They make your easy weeknight dinner feel extra special.

Is sun dried tomato pasta sauce healthy?

It can be part of a balanced meal. Sun-dried tomatoes have vitamins. Using broth and milk adds nutrients without too much fat. You control the salt and cheese. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies. This makes your one pot creamy pasta more wholesome. Enjoying comforting food that you made yourself is a healthy joy.

What protein goes well with sun dried tomato cream pasta?

Grilled chicken is a classic pairing. It soaks up the creamy sauce. Pan-seared shrimp cook quickly and add sweetness. For a vegetarian option, white beans or chickpeas are great. They add heartiness to this 30 minute meal. Adding protein turns this side into a filling main dish. It completes your one pot pasta perfectly.

Can you make sun dried tomato pasta without cream?

Yes, you can make a lighter version. Use the starchy pasta water to create a sauce. Blend some of the sun-dried tomatoes with broth. This makes a rich, tomatoey base. A spoonful of ricotta cheese can add creaminess too. You still get a delicious, satisfying meal. It’s a great trick for budget friendly recipes. Which tip will you try first?

*Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes are just ripe tomatoes dried in the sun. This concentrates their sweet, tangy flavor!

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this one pot meal as much as I do. It’s a cozy favorite in my home. The smell of garlic and tomatoes cooking is pure comfort. I truly believe good food brings people together. It creates warm memories around the table.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went for you. Have you tried this recipe? Please share your story or any clever twists you added in the comments below. Your ideas inspire me and other readers too.

Happy cooking!

—Danielle Monroe

Sun Dried Tomato Cream Pasta

Author: Danielle Monroe Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:Italian Courses:Lunch Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: Total time: 30 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:387.6 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

Ingredients

• ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. fettuccine
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Freshly cracked pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth*
• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Chop the sun dried tomatoes into small bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the butter and garlic to a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute, or until it is very fragrant.
3. Add the fettuccine, sun dried tomatoes, dried basil, some freshly cracked pepper, and the chicken broth to the skillet. If needed, break the fettuccine in half to make sure it lays flat in the skillet and is submerged in broth.
4. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to high, and bring the broth to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boil, give the pasta a good stir, replace the lid, and turn the heat down to low or the lowest setting that maintains a simmer.
5. Let the pasta simmer in the broth for 7-10 minutes, or until most of the broth is absorbed and the pasta is tender, stirring every couple of minutes and always replacing the lid.
6. Keeping the heat on low, cut the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the pasta. Once the cream cheese has melted, add the milk and stir until a smooth sauce forms. Finally, add the grated Parmesan over top and stir until it has melted into the sauce. Serve with extra freshly cracked pepper, if desired.

Notes

*For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.

Keywords:Pasta, Sun Dried Tomato, Creamy, One Pot