Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe That’s Ready in Minutes

Sun-dried tomato pasta brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table.

Rich, velvety sauces embrace tender noodles with intense, concentrated flavor profiles.

The vibrant ingredients merge classic comfort with elegant culinary artistry.

Tangy and slightly sweet notes dance across each delectable bite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients revamp an ordinary meal into a sensational dining experience.

Robust seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond traditional pasta preparations.

Bold yet balanced textures promise a memorable gastronomic journey.

Why Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Feels Like a Fancy Weeknight Treat

• Craft a Luxurious Comfort Meal: This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta delivers restaurant-quality richness with home-kitchen simplicity, transforming everyday ingredients into a decadent dining experience.
• Fast and Flexible Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe adapts easily to dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for busy families and spontaneous cooking.
• Layers of Tantalizing Textures: Silky smooth sauce meets al dente pasta, complemented by soft wilted spinach and chewy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Flavor Explosion: Combining Greek yogurt, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this dish captures vibrant Mediterranean taste profiles that transport your palate without leaving your kitchen.

The Ingredients That Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Shine

• Fettuccine: Pasta serves as the primary carbohydrate and foundation of the dish, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.

• Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream: Creamy base that adds tanginess and smooth consistency to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides fresh tomato flavor and additional moisture to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances acidity and enhances overall tomato taste.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a slightly chewy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and umami character to the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces fresh green color and nutritional value.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy heat.

How to Whip Up Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta in No Time

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Grab a large stockpot and bring water to a boil. Add olive oil and fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions. Drain pasta, keeping of pasta water on the side.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Base

In a small bowl, blend Greek yogurt and sour cream until smooth and silky.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Build The Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Granulated sugar

Mix until everything combines perfectly.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Gently whisk in yogurt mixture. Stir quickly to blend completely. Increase heat to medium-high and let sauce simmer 5-7 minutes until it thickens.

Step 6: Season And Enhance

Season with salt and pepper. Add parmesan cheese and baby spinach. Stir until spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 7: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Combine cooked pasta with sauce. Toss until pasta is evenly coated. If sauce seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick. Serve warm and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for a Rich and Tangy Pasta Sauce

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of fettuccine.
• Tomato Timing: Sauté sun-dried tomatoes and garlic quickly to release their maximum flavor without burning, keeping the aromatics bright and intense.
• Creamy Whisking Technique: Incorporate the yogurt mixture slowly and whisk vigorously to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Spinach Wilting Wisdom: Add baby spinach at the very end and stir just until it softens, maintaining its vibrant green color and fresh nutritional punch.
• Cheese Finale: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan at the end for a rich, salty depth that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Freezing: While possible, the creamy sauce may separate slightly when frozen. If freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.

What Goes Well with This Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, tangy sauce by cutting through its richness and highlighting the sun-dried tomato's bright flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty contrast to the pasta's creamy texture, balancing the dish's richness with fresh, peppery notes.
• Match with Herbed Garlic Bread: Crusty sourdough bread brushed with garlic and herbs provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Complement with Grilled Chicken: A simply seasoned grilled chicken breast adds lean protein and enhances the pasta's Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making the dish more substantial and filling.

Easy Twists for Your Next Tomato Pasta Dish

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap fettuccine for whole wheat penne and add kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Plate: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp into the sauce, creating a hearty protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and adds nutritional value.
• Veggie Boost Blend: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts to increase vegetable content and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense dish.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace baby spinach with fresh cilantro, add chipotle peppers, and sprinkle with queso fresco for a bold, zesty alternative that brings Mexican-inspired heat to the classic recipe.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, velvety sauce. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate this quick, luxurious meal that promises delightful flavors in each satisfying twirl.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) reserved pasta water
• 1 ½ cups (45 g) baby spinach
• ¾ pound (340 g) dried fettuccine

Tomato and Dairy Components:

• 14.5 ounces (440 g) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup (55 g) julienned sun-dried tomatoes
• ½ cup (100 g) plain 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (58 g) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

1. Bring a large stockpot of water to a rolling boil, adding of olive oil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain while preserving of starchy pasta water.
2. Whisk Greek yogurt and sour cream in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes until aromatic and slightly golden.
4. Reduce cooking temperature to medium-low, then incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and granulated sugar. Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive base.
5. Gradually introduce the yogurt and sour cream mixture, whisking rapidly to prevent separation. Elevate heat to medium-high and allow sauce to gently simmer for 6-7 minutes, enabling it to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
6. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fold in grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach, continuing to stir until spinach leaves wilt and become tender.
7. Gently fold cooked fettuccine into the sauce, ensuring each pasta strand gets evenly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, incrementally add reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, luxurious consistency.
8. For optional enhancement, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes across the top. Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a vibrant and creamy pasta dish.

Notes

• Quick-cooking tips ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling by whisking the yogurt mixture gently and maintaining a consistent medium heat.
• Reserve pasta water acts as a secret weapon to adjust sauce thickness, preventing dry or overly thick pasta.
• Sun-dried tomatoes provide intense, concentrated flavor that elevates the entire dish with a rich, tangy punch.
• Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating an extra layer of creamy richness and depth.
• Baby spinach adds a fresh, vibrant green color and nutrient boost, wilting perfectly into the warm sauce.
• Granulated sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded and harmonious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg