Sun-dried Tomato One-Pan Pasta

This hearty one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta has become my weeknight savior on busy evenings when I need something delicious without the fuss. The rich, tomato-based sauce comes together effortlessly while the pasta cooks right in the same pan, absorbing all those incredible flavors.

I first discovered this cooking method during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something fast but didn't want to sacrifice flavor. My family was so impressed by how creamy and flavorful it was that it's now in our regular rotation when time is tight but we still want something that tastes like it took much longer.

Ingredients

• Butter: creates a rich base for the sauce and adds silky texture
• Garlic: provides essential aromatic flavor to build depth in the quick sauce
• Chicken stock or bone broth: forms the cooking liquid and adds savory notes
• Half and half or whole milk: creates creaminess without being too heavy
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: bring intense tomato flavor and umami richness
• Angel hair pasta: cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty saltiness and helps thicken the sauce
• Cream cheese: optional but creates extra luxurious creaminess
• Italian seasoning: provides herb flavor without needing multiple spice jars
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat and complexity
• Salt: enhances all the other flavors in the dish
• Red pepper flakes: optional for those who enjoy a hint of spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create The Flavor Base:

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely before adding the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown, which would create bitterness. This foundation builds the flavor profile for the entire dish.

Build The Sauce:

Pour in the chicken stock, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle in all the seasonings. Gently stir to combine. Next, slowly add the half and half or milk, pouring it in gradually while stirring to prevent curdling. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, which will help the flavors begin to meld together.

Cook The Pasta:

Add the pasta to the simmering liquid, letting it sit untouched for about 30 seconds until it softens enough to be pushed down into the liquid without breaking. This technique ensures even cooking. Let the pasta cook submerged in the simmering liquid for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish The Dish:

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and add cream cheese if using, allowing it to melt slowly into the sauce. Continue cooking until pasta reaches al dente texture, which should take another 2-3 minutes. Finally, sprinkle parmesan over the top and stir to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a splash more liquid if the sauce has been fully absorbed.

Save

The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their transformative power years ago when I was looking to add intense flavor to quick meals. My daughter, who normally avoids tomatoes, actually requests this dish specifically because of how the sun-dried variety adds richness without the texture she typically dislikes.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta dish will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, becoming thicker. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or half and half to the pasta before microwaving to restore its creamy consistency. Heat at 70% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through to prevent overcooking.

Easy Variations

This recipe serves as an excellent template for countless variations. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage cooked separately and mixed in at the end. For a vegetarian version, add spinach in the last minute of cooking, or mix in steamed broccoli florets. You can also swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for different flavor profiles while keeping the same cooking method.

Make It Ahead

Prepare this dish slightly underdone if you plan to make it ahead of time, as the pasta will continue to soften as it sits. For meal prep, consider making the sauce separately and refrigerating it, then cooking fresh pasta when ready to serve. Alternatively, the fully prepared dish can be refrigerated and reheated with additional liquid as mentioned in the storage tips.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. A piece of garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up any remaining sauce. For wine pairing, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sangiovese complements the sun-dried tomato flavor beautifully without overwhelming the dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes! While angel hair pasta works perfectly because it cooks quickly, you can substitute spaghetti or bucatini. Just note that you may need to extend the cooking time slightly to reach al dente texture. The key is ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid while cooking.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick as the pasta absorbs liquid, simply add a splash more chicken stock or half and half toward the end of cooking. This will restore the creamy consistency without diluting the flavor. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can adapt this to be dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil, using a plant-based milk alternative instead of half and half, and omitting the parmesan or using a dairy-free alternative. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor.

→ What can I add to make this dish more protein-rich?

To boost the protein content, you could add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage toward the end of cooking. For vegetarian options, white beans or chickpeas work well. Using bone broth instead of regular chicken stock, as suggested in the ingredients, also adds additional protein.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, add a splash of chicken stock and/or half and half to the pasta first to rehydrate it, then microwave until hot. This prevents the pasta from drying out and helps restore the creamy sauce consistency. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding liquid as needed.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead. The pasta will continue absorbing sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a bit more liquid as described in the reheating instructions. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta initially if you plan to reheat it later.