One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines creamy sauce, tender angel hair pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes for a delightful meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for those who want a comforting pasta dish without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken stock (or bone broth for extra protein)
• 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk (room temperature)
• 1 8-oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil (oil drained)
• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons optional – softened cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• optional – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Slowly add the half and half, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Step 3: Add the angel hair pasta to the pan. Let it sit for 30 seconds so you can carefully push it down into the liquid without breaking the noodles.
4. Step 4: Allow the pasta to cook submerged in the simmering liquid for about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add the cream cheese if using, and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Add a splash more chicken stock or half and half if the sauce becomes too thick.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone broth instead of chicken stock for a protein boost and richer flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the cream cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Try using different pasta shapes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving adds a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried pasta other than angel hair?

Yes, you can substitute with other thin pasta types like spaghetti or linguine, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust cooking accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

You can use dry-pack sun-dried tomatoes, but soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the recipe to soften them and release their flavor.

One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

This One-Pan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly using simple ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning blend with a rich sauce made from chicken stock and half and half, creating a comforting meal that cooks entirely in one skillet. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe features tender angel hair pasta coated in a savory, cheesy sauce with the option of added cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock (or bone broth for extra protein)
• 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk, room temperature
• 1 – 8 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
2. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Slowly stir in the half and half, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add pasta: Place the angel hair pasta into the skillet. Let it sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds so the strands soften slightly, then carefully maneuver the pasta down into the liquid without breaking it.
4. Simmer pasta: Allow the pasta to cook submerged in the simmering liquid for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the optional cream cheese now if using, and stir to melt it into the sauce. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens to your liking.
5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir it in. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. If the pasta absorbs all the sauce, add a splash more chicken stock or half and half to loosen it slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use bone broth instead of chicken stock to boost protein content.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, plant-based cream, and skip parmesan or use vegan cheese.
• Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
• Draining the oil from sun-dried tomatoes prevents the sauce from becoming too oily.
• Adding cream cheese is optional but makes the sauce richer and silkier.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, one-pan pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, angel hair pasta, Italian pasta recipe