Picture this: the warm aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen as you whip up a comforting meal after a long day. One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta has become a staple for me because it brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make and how quickly it came together. It reminds me that cooking can be enjoyable and rewarding, even for beginners. This recipe is special because it requires just one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to savor your meal.
Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the delightful flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and garlic, making a dish that feels luxurious while being incredibly simple to prepare. Plus, cooking everything in one pan makes cleanup a breeze, an added bonus for anyone who dreads washing multiple pots and pans.
How to Make One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock or bone broth (for extra protein)
- ½ cup half and half or whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, oil drained
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta (or spaghetti/bucatini if preferred)
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Sauté the Garlic: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken stock, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend for about 30 seconds.
- Add the Creamy Element: Slowly pour in the half and half, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly.
- Cook the Pasta in the Sauce: Add the angel hair pasta to the pan, letting it sit for about 30 seconds before gently pushing it down into the liquid. Let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Creaminess: If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until it melts into the sauce for an extra layer of creaminess.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust Consistency: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or half and half to loosen it.
How to Serve One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Dish the pasta into bowls or on plates, making sure to spoon extra sauce over each serving. Garnish with additional grated parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
How to Store One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or half and half to keep the sauce creamy.
Tips to Make One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
- Pasta Options: While I love angel hair, feel free to use spaghetti or bucatini for a different texture.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dish, don’t hesitate to add more cream cheese or parmesan.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Just toss them in when you add the chicken stock to let them cook slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be different. You might need to adjust the cooking time.
2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and is great for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and keep it meat-free. You can also add more veggies for flavor and nutrition.
One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock or bone broth For extra protein
- ½ cup half and half or whole milk Room temperature
- 1 8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil Oil drained
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta Can substitute with spaghetti or bucatini
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese Optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
Method
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic.
- Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in the chicken stock, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to blend for about 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in the half and half, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly.
Cooking Pasta
- Add the angel hair pasta to the pan, letting it sit for about 30 seconds before gently pushing it down into the liquid.
- Let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches
- If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until it melts into the sauce for an extra layer of creaminess.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or half and half to loosen it.
Serving
- Dish the pasta into bowls or on plates, making sure to spoon extra sauce over each serving.
- Garnish with additional grated parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.