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- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil, drained) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnishing) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make the best creamy sun-dried tomato pasta, it’s crucial to measure each ingredient correctly. Use: - 12 oz of pasta for a hearty meal. - 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to add flavor and color. - 1 cup of heavy cream to ensure the sauce is rich and smooth. - 1 cup of vegetable broth for depth of flavor. - 1 medium onion and 3 cloves of garlic for a solid base. - 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano for herb notes. - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese will make the sauce creamy. If you're looking for gluten-free options, you can swap the pasta for a gluten-free version. Many brands offer great substitutes. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. These swaps can help you enjoy a tasty dish while meeting your dietary needs. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil starts to shimmer. Then, add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and translucent. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells great. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Now, mix in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Include 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Sauté this mixture for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. After that, gradually pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add 12 ounces of uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese melts. Taste the pasta and add salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water until you get the right consistency. Let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat. This helps it thicken and soak up all the yummy flavors. To get that creamy texture, you need to follow a few key steps. First, use heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. Second, stir in the cheese slowly. Adding it bit by bit helps it melt fully. Lastly, let the dish sit off heat for a few minutes. This lets the flavors blend well and the sauce thicken. Want to boost flavor? Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They add a nice freshness. You can also use red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you like nuts, toss in some pine nuts for crunch. All these add great taste and texture to your dish. Watch out for a few common pitfalls. Don’t skip the sautéing step with the onion and garlic. This builds a base of flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta, too. It should be al dente, so it holds its shape. Lastly, don’t forget to taste before serving! Adjust seasoning to get the best flavor. {{image_4}} You can play with different pasta types in this dish. Penne and fusilli work well, but you can also try spaghetti or farfalle. For cheese, feel free to swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free option. Each change brings a new twist to the flavor. Want to add some protein? Chicken or shrimp can make this dish heartier. Cook diced chicken in the pot before adding the other ingredients. For shrimp, add them a few minutes before the pasta is done. You can also toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a fresh crunch. Just add them along with the sun-dried tomatoes to cook them lightly. Using fresh tomatoes or herbs can boost flavor based on the season. In summer, ripe tomatoes can replace sun-dried ones. Just chop them and add them to the pot. Fresh basil or oregano can also enhance the dish. Adjust the amount you use, as fresh herbs are more potent than dried ones. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, avoid adding extra toppings like cheese or herbs before storing. For reheating, use a microwave or a pot on the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst. This helps keep the pasta creamy. On the stove, add a splash of broth or water. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This will help prevent it from drying out. If you want to freeze the pasta, use an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. The pasta can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of liquid. This keeps the creamy texture intact. How long does it take to prepare and cook? This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. In total, you need around 35 minutes. You will have a warm, tasty meal ready in no time. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans? This dish is vegetarian since it uses dairy and vegetable broth. However, it is not vegan due to heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. To make it vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a vegan cheese alternative. Can I modify this recipe for different dietary needs? Yes, you can easily change this recipe. For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free pasta. If you want to lower fat, use low-fat cream. You can also add cooked chicken or sautéed veggies to make it heartier. This article covered a tasty pasta dish, from ingredients to cooking steps. We listed essential items like pasta types and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring you have the right amounts. Dietary swaps, like gluten-free and dairy-free options, make it inclusive. You learned key preparation and cooking tips to create a creamy sauce. In the end, this dish is versatile and can fit many tastes. Feel free to experiment with flavors or ingredients. Follow the storage tips to keep your meal fresh for later. Now, enjoy making this delicious recipe your own!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta One Pot

Indulge in the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta delight that will elevate your dinner game! This delicious recipe combines pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich cream sauce, perfect for a cozy night in. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, you'll impress your family and friends. Don't miss out – click to explore the full recipe and let your taste buds rejoice! #CreamyPasta #PastaRecipes #DeliciousDinner #SunDriedTomatoes
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli of your choice)

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil, drained)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnishing)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent and soft.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic.

      Next, incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes along with the dried basil and oregano. Sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the herbs to meld into the mixture and enhance the flavors.

        Gradually pour in the vegetable broth and then the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, ensuring each piece is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

            Once the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is fully melted.

              Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. If you find the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash more vegetable broth or water until you achieve your desired consistency.

                Allow the pasta dish to sit for a few minutes off the heat, enabling it to thicken slightly and absorb all the delightful flavors before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: To elevate the dish, serve the creamy pasta in deep bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for a sophisticated and appetizing finish. Enjoy your culinary creation!