One Pot Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (any type you like); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I love making this One Pot Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is both comforting and delicious. The creamy garlic sauce, combined with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creates a rich flavor profile that elevates the humble pasta. Plus, preparing everything in one pot means I get more time to spend with my family instead of washing dishes. I can’t wait for you to try this effortless recipe!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-17T15:02:19.050Z

This pasta dish has become a family favorite because it’s so easy to make and tastefully rich. I remember the first time I prepared it—I was experimenting with different pantry staples and came up with this combination. The best part is that everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without any extra fuss.

I’ve found that using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes truly makes a notable difference in the final taste. You can also add a splash of pasta water at the end if you want a looser sauce, which brilliantly enhances the creaminess.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic sauce that envelops every strand of pasta
Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color
One-pot convenience means less time in the kitchen

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter

Using fresh sun-dried tomatoes significantly enhances the dish's flavor. They provide a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the creamy garlic sauce. If you can find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, they can add an extra layer of richness. Just be sure to drain them well before chopping to avoid excess oil in your sauce. Additionally, using freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced will deliver a more pronounced garlic aroma and taste, elevating your pasta to new heights.

Parmesan cheese not only adds creaminess but also a depth of umami flavor. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged varieties; it melts better, resulting in a smoother sauce. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just keep in mind that the texture will vary slightly.

Cooking Techniques for Success

When sautéing the garlic, watch it closely. You want it to become fragrant—golden but not browned—to keep the flavor mellow. If overcooked, burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste that might ruin your creamy sauce. The key is to keep stirring and remove it from the heat as soon as your kitchen fills with that delightful garlicky aroma.

For a perfectly creamy sauce, ensure that most of the liquid is absorbed before adding the heavy cream. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too watery. If you find your sauce is thicker than you like, simply add a splash of vegetable broth to adjust the consistency. Remember, you can always add but cannot take away, so add liquid gradually.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (any type you like)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients prepped and ready to go for the best experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your dish:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook according to pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your creamy pasta meal!

Your creamy pasta dish is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the mix. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to the pasta, as this will help revive the creamy texture. Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming without scorching the pasta.

For meal prep, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in tandem, and when you're ready to eat, simply combine them with the fresh basil and cheese. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste preferences. For an added protein boost, consider tossing in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian option, white beans or chickpeas can be great additions, providing extra texture and nourishment.

You can also play with different pasta shapes. While spaghetti or linguine work perfectly, penne or farfalle can add interesting textures and forkfuls; they also hold the sauce well. For a touch of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic, giving your creamy dish a delightful kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Yes, whole wheat pasta can be used. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for the cream and cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just make sure to thaw and reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture.