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This hearty one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta has been my kitchen salvation on countless busy weeknights. The rich, tangy sauce comes together in minutes, coating delicate angel hair pasta with a velvety blend of sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan that feels indulgent despite the minimal effort.
I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something impressive yet effortless. My husband now requests it so often that I keep sun-dried tomatoes permanently stocked in our pantry.
Ingredients
- Butter: Creates a silky foundation for the sauce and adds richness
- Garlic: Minced fresh provides aromatic depth to the dish
- Chicken stock: Forms the flavorful base of our sauce while cooking the pasta
- Half and half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy
- Sun dried tomatoes in oil: Bring intense sweet tomato flavor and umami
- Angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts perfectly into the sauce
- Cream cheese: Optional but adds extra luxurious creaminess
- Italian seasoning: A balanced blend that complements the tomatoes
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best flavor
- Salt: To enhance all other flavors
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for those who enjoy a gentle heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Base:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for exactly one minute until fragrant but not browned. Timing matters here as burned garlic will ruin the entire dish.
- Create The Sauce:
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, then add the drained sun-dried tomatoes and all seasonings. Slowly incorporate the room temperature half and half, whisking gently to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Add the angel hair pasta to the simmering liquid. Let it sit untouched for 30 seconds until it softens enough to be fully submerged without breaking. This prevents uneven cooking and broken pasta strands.
- Finish The Dish:
- Let pasta simmer for about 5 minutes, then reduce heat to low. If using cream cheese, add it now and allow it to melt completely into the sauce. Continue cooking until pasta reaches al dente texture, about 1-2 minutes more. The sauce will thicken as the pasta releases starch.
- Add Final Touches:
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of chicken stock or half and half to reach your desired consistency.
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The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the star of this dish. I discovered their transformative power while traveling through southern Italy, where a local chef showed me how they concentrate all the sweetness of summer tomatoes into intense little morsels that can elevate even the simplest pasta dish.
Make It Ahead
This pasta reheats surprisingly well compared to many cream-based pastas. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Easy Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Spinach, chicken, or shrimp make excellent additions. For a vegetarian version, simply swap vegetable broth for the chicken stock. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut milk works wonderfully in place of half and half, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta shines as a main dish served with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a complete meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. A crusty piece of garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Ensure you stir the pasta frequently as it cooks in the liquid and do not let it sit too long without movement.
- → Can I substitute angel hair pasta?
Yes, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or any other long pasta, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- → Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely, vegetable stock works as a great substitute and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- → What can I use instead of cream cheese for extra creaminess?
Mascarpone, more parmesan, or a splash of heavy cream can provide additional creaminess.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Add or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or omit them entirely, based on your preference.