If you are craving a dish that feels luxurious yet comes together with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with the rich, tangy flavors of sundried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan, every bite delivers a comforting, velvety experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines simplicity with depth — all made in one pan for quick cleanup and maximum convenience. Trust me, once you make this pasta, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the essence of this dish. Each component plays an important role: from the hearty pasta providing perfect texture, to the sundried tomatoes delivering a burst of concentrated flavor and color, to the creamy sauce that ties it all together beautifully.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold the sauce well and cook evenly, making for a satisfying bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to gently infuse the garlic and sundried tomatoes with a luscious base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential—it brings that aromatic punch that makes the dish pop.
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: These concentrate the tomato intensity and add a lovely chewiness that enriches the pasta.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The broth provides a savory depth, helping cook the pasta and blending all flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Cream adds indulgence and silkiness to the sauce, transforming it into something truly comforting.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan melts into the sauce creating a nutty, salty finish you can’t resist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to balance and highlight all the other wonderful flavors.
How to Make One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant and soft but not browned. This step is crucial because it releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, setting the stage for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Sundried Tomatoes
Next, toss in the chopped sundried tomatoes. Let them cook for around two minutes, stirring frequently. This process helps to release their deep, concentrated tomato flavor and infuses the oil with that vibrant essence you want throughout the pasta.
Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add your chosen pasta directly to the pan. Cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth as it cooks, which is why this one-pan method works so beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cook together for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns luxuriously creamy, evenly coating each piece of pasta.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season your creation with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and serve immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is velvety smooth. This last step ensures each bite is perfectly balanced and satisfying.
How to Serve One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this pasta even more, sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley right before serving. It adds a fresh, green contrast both in flavor and appearance, brightening up the creamy and tangy notes of the sundried tomatoes.
Side Dishes
Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also makes an excellent companion, offering a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and an additional drizzle of olive oil. For a twist, add toasted pine nuts on top or a spoonful of sun-dried tomato pesto alongside for guests to customize their flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld a bit more after resting, but the texture may thicken, so prepare to refresh it before serving again.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Consume within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving if you can, as slow reheating preserves the creamy texture much better.
FAQs
Can I make this One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the dish remains just as flavorful and comforting without any meat products.
What other types of pasta work well for this recipe?
While penne and fusilli are excellent choices due to their shape, feel free to use rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti—the key is choosing pasta that holds sauce well.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil instead of dry ones?
Yes! If you have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well before chopping and reduce or omit the olive oil in the recipe to avoid excess oiliness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version, and nutritional yeast works nicely as a Parmesan substitute to keep that cheesy flavor.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in the broth?
Check the pasta a minute or two before the package recommends; it should be al dente—firm but not hard. Since it finishes cooking with the sauce, watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe is truly a lifesaver for anyone who wants a delicious, cozy meal without fussing over multiple pots and pans. It’s a clever blend of comforting creaminess, bright tomato flavor, and effortless preparation that I guarantee you’ll come back to time and time again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dish!
Print
One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Sundried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal made with penne or fusilli pasta cooked directly in savory chicken broth infused with garlic and sundried tomatoes. Finished with a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish combines rich, tangy, and comforting flavors into a simple skillet meal perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally until fragrant but not browned to release its aroma.
- Sauté sundried tomatoes: Add the chopped sundried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes. This step helps to release their rich, tangy flavor and infuse the oil.
- Add broth and pasta: Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly into the skillet and cook uncovered according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the pasta.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use penne or fusilli for best results as their shape holds the sauce well.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust cream and Parmesan quantities to achieve preferred sauce thickness and richness.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
