This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s like a creamy version of a sun dried tomato pesto, with vibrant tomato flavor, fragrant basil, and a rich, velvety texture—without drowning in cream. The secret? Blending the sun dried tomatoes into the sauce gives me a deeply infused flavor and a beautifully thick consistency.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how easy this pasta is to make—just blend the sauce, cook the pasta, and toss everything together. It’s a weeknight-friendly dinner, but still feels special enough to serve to guests. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, thanks to the magic of emulsification with starchy pasta water. I also like that it’s versatile—some days I add chicken or bacon, other times I keep it vegetarian with just spinach. And it’s surprisingly light—only 400 calories per serving!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Creamy Sauce:

• 3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup basil leaves

• 1/4 cup yoghurt or sour cream (optional)

• 1/4 cup cream

• 1 3/4 cups milk (I use low fat)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Pepper

Pasta:

• 300 g pasta of choice (I like penne or ziti)

• 1 tbsp oil from sun dried tomatoes

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 4 cups finely shredded fresh English spinach

To Serve (optional):

• Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil, finely shredded

Directions

1. I start by blending all the creamy sauce ingredients until smooth. I taste and adjust the salt if needed.

2. While the pasta water is heating, I heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the garlic for 20 seconds. I add the onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until soft.

3. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Before draining, I scoop out a mug of the starchy pasta water.

4. I combine the drained pasta, creamy sauce, spinach, and about 1/2 cup of the pasta water into the skillet. Stirring gently, I let it all heat through for about 2 minutes.

5. I add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to my liking, then serve immediately with extra parmesan and basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking.

Variations

• Protein additions: I love tossing in grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp for extra heartiness.

• Veggie twist: Sometimes I swap spinach for roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Make it vegan: I skip the cream and cheese, use plant-based milk, and blend in soaked cashews for creaminess.

• Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice bit of heat to balance the creamy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, then gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This pasta is also surprisingly tasty at room temperature.

FAQs

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

I sometimes use nutritional yeast or a plant-based parmesan for a vegetarian or dairy-free alternative. It adds a similar savory flavor.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the sauce a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. I just reheat it gently before mixing it with the pasta.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Definitely. I freeze the blended sauce in a sealed container for up to a month. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and re-blend or stir before heating.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and mild tomato-basil flavor make it a hit with kids. I sometimes skip the optional basil garnish for pickier eaters.

What pasta shapes work best?

I prefer short pastas like penne, ziti, or rigatoni—they hold the creamy sauce beautifully. But honestly, any pasta I have on hand works just fine.

Conclusion

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is everything I love in a pasta dish: quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether I serve it for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends, it always gets rave reviews. It’s comforting, fragrant, and incredibly versatile—just the kind of recipe I find myself making again and again.