Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 230 g (8 oz) pasta; 2 tbsp oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 120 g (4 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream; 125 ml (1/2 cup) chicken or vegetable stock; 60 g (2 oz / about ¾ cup) freshly grated parmesan (leave some for serving); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Handful chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving

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JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with garlic, parmesan and a silky sauce – ready in under 30 minutes. The perfect weeknight dinner when you need something fast and comforting.

creamy sun-dried tomato pasta on a plate with basil

Pasta is my answer to a hard week. Every single time. This one especially because it’s 25 minutes, one pan, and my whole family inhales it. No negotiating with the kids, no “I don’t like this” from anyone. Just empty bowls.

I have a serious thing for creamy sauces. Always have. And the sun-dried tomato oil going straight into the pan at the start? That smell alone is enough. I usually throw grilled prawns or chicken on top because it makes it feel more like a proper dinner. But honestly, on the really tired evenings? Just the pasta. It’s enough.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Ready in under 30 minutes — one pan, minimal effort, maximum comfort
Sun-dried tomato oil — using the oil from the jar as your cooking fat adds instant depth of flavour before anything else even hits the pan
That sauce — rich, creamy, glossy and perfect for a weeknight
Flexible — serve it as it is or add grilled prawns or chicken to make it more substantial

FOOD SCIENCE CORNER

Why we love creamy sauces – the psychology of comfort food

There’s a reason creamy pasta can feel so satisfying and it’s not just about taste. The experience of eating is influenced by our brain’s reward systems, our sensory preferences and, importantly, our personal memories.

Fat is highly energy-dense and an important contributor to the richness and palatability of food. Highly palatable foods can activate the brain’s reward pathways, including dopaminergic systems involved in motivation and reward learning. But it’s not just the fat: salt, sweetness, aroma and texture all contribute to how rewarding a food feels.

Texture matters too. Creamy, smooth foods create a very different sensory experience from crisp or fibrous foods. We also tend to prefer familiar sensory experiences, which is one reason certain dishes can feel particularly comforting.

And then there’s the emotional connection. What we call “comfort food” is often shaped by personal experience- foods associated with family, childhood, celebrations or being cared for. For someone who grew up eating creamy pasta at family dinners, that dish can trigger memories and emotions that have nothing to do with its nutritional value.

Stress can influence food choices too. Some people are more likely to seek highly palatable, energy-dense foods when they’re stressed or tired, although this response varies from person to person.

So when a bowl of creamy pasta feels like exactly what you need after a difficult week, there’s more going on than calories and nutrients. You’re experiencing a combination of flavour, texture, reward, familiarity and personal association…all coming together in one bowl.

HOW TO MAKE IT

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 240 ml (1 cup) of the pasta cooking water.

2. Build the base
While the pasta cooks, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, don’t let it brown.

3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes become aromatic and slightly caramelized at the edges.

4. Add the stock
Pour in the stock and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

5. Make the sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then gradually whisk in the parmesan until completely melted and smooth.

6. Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky and glossy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

7. Serve
Divide between bowls and top with fresh basil, extra parmesan and plenty of cracked black pepper.

sun-dried tomato sauce with cooked spaghetti and fresh basil

STORING AND REHEATING

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. It thickens as it sits, so don’t be alarmed.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce works with most pasta shapes. Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine coats beautifully in the creamy sauce. Short shapes like rigatoni or penne also work well and hold the sauce inside the ridges.

Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can use single cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich. A plant-based cream alternative also works reasonably well.

Can I add spinach or other vegetables?
Yes, a handful of spinach stirred in at the end works really well and wilts almost instantly in the warm sauce. Cherry tomatoes or mushrooms sautéed with the garlic are also good additions.

Can I make this vegetarian?
It already is! Just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and check that your parmesan is made with vegetarian rennet.

Why does my sauce separate?
This usually happens if the heat is too high when you add the cream or parmesan. Keep the heat low and add the parmesan gradually. Patience makes the difference here.

More Creamy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Creamy Roasted Tomato Orzo with Burrata — same comfort food energy, with roasted tomatoes and burrata melting on top
Roasted Garlic Lemon Pasta with Crispy Chicken — creamy, garlicky and bright from the lemon, with crispy chicken on top
Creamy Pistachio Pasta — rich and unexpected, one of the most popular recipes on the blog