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)
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to intensify their flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
Instructions
-
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.
-
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.
-
Add Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to intensify their flavor.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
