Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne: The Perfect Weeknight Comfort Foo

Servings: 4 Total Time: 32 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A Deliciously Easy Pasta Dish with Rich Flavors and Creamy Texture
Sun-Dried Tomato Penne pinit

Get ready to experience a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl! Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne combines savory sun-dried tomatoes, luscious cream sauce, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked penne pasta to deliver a comforting, satisfying meal any evening of the week. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just need an easy yet impressive dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, budget-happy, and packed with irresistible flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

I find this pasta totally irresistible for a bunch of reasons! First, it’s speedy—dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. The sauce is luxurious yet light enough that it doesn’t feel heavy. Sun-dried tomatoes give a natural sweetness and an umami punch, the cream makes every bite velvety, and there’s just enough garlic and parmesan to keep things savory. Plus, you can easily adapt it for your taste buds or dietary needs.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz dried penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
Ingredients

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to intensify their flavor.
  4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the cream and let it gently simmer for 2 minutes. Mix in the parmesan cheese, dried herbs, and chili flakes. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne straight to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your perfect sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes so all the flavors come together. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more parmesan to serve.
Tomato Penne

Expert Tips

  • I always save extra pasta water—just a splash can make your sauce silky and perfect!
  • For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
  • Want to boost the veggies? Add spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers to the sauce before tossing with pasta.
  • If you’re watching calories, swap the cream for half & half or milk and use less parmesan.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast, and check your pasta is egg-free.
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne.
  • Add Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving.
  • Herby: Load up with fresh basil, oregano, or even mint for a green touch.
  • Spicy: Double up the chili flakes for a real kick!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, I envy you—it’s just as yummy the next day!

  • Storage: Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Heat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.
  • Freezing: Although best fresh, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, steamed veggies, or even a simple caprese salad. For extra color, sprinkle with extra parsley or sliced cherry tomatoes.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne: The Perfect Weeknight Comfort Foo

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 2 mins Total Time 32 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 480 per serving Best Season: Spring, Summer, Suitable throughout the year
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Description

Get ready to experience a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl! Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne combines savory sun-dried tomatoes, luscious cream sauce, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked penne pasta to deliver a comforting, satisfying meal any evening of the week. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just need an easy yet impressive dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, budget-happy, and packed with irresistible flavor!

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta

    Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

  1. Sauté Aromatics

    While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

  1. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to intensify their flavor.

  1. Create the Sauce

    Pour in the cream and let it gently simmer for 2 minutes. Mix in the parmesan cheese, dried herbs, and chili flakes. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

  1. Combine with Pasta

    Add the cooked penne straight to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your perfect sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

  1. Rest and Serve

    Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes so all the flavors come together. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more parmesan to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1


Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g33%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 65mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 56g19%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 6g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Always chop the sun-dried tomatoes small for better distribution.
  • Mix-and-match pasta shapes if penne isn’t in your pantry—fusilli or rigatoni are both winners.
  • Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less pasta water.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil are key—dry ones won’t deliver the same flavor punch.
Keywords: pasta dish,italian dish,Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne,dinner recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Absolutely. The sauce will be less luxurious but still tasty.

What other protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans work well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely—a hit with little pasta fans, especially if you hold back on the chili flakes!

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes.

About
Luna Food Blogger

Hi, I'm Luna, a full-time food blogger and a passionate home cook. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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