Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight pasta game? This sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It's the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering. Let's dive into this delicious and surprisingly simple recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for two servings, but you can easily scale it up to feed a crowd.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or farfalle all work wonderfully.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped. The oil from the jar adds fantastic flavor later!
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for serving (optional).
- Shallots: 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor).
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (or more, to taste). Adjust to your spice preference.
- Fresh Basil: ½ cup, chopped. Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated. A must-have for that cheesy goodness!
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering sun-dried tomato pasta dish:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots (if using) and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through and release their intense flavor.
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Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sun-dried tomato mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh basil and most of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil (optional).
Tips and Variations for Your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a more substantial meal.
- Veggie Power: Throw in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note.
This simple sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own! Enjoy!
