Easy One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

🧾 Essential ingredients for tomato pasta

In this section, I've outlined the key ingredients and why they're essential in the recipe. For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

• Sundried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes infuse the dish with their intense sweet-tangy flavour, creating a robust umami taste. Substitutes include sun-dried tomato paste or rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes. My homemade roasted tomatoes also work really well here.
• Pasta: Any style of pasta will work. I have used penne and tagliatelle to test this recipe, and they both work really well. You need a pasta shape that is able to hold the sauce well.
• Baby Spinach: Baby spinach adds a healthy and vibrant element to the pasta. It wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce. Substitutes include rocket (arugula) or Swiss chard.
• Single Cream: Single cream contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce. You can use double cream for a richer version. For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or milk.
• Onion and garlic: Onions and garlic provide the foundational flavours of the sauce. You can use shallots or leeks instead of onions. Garlic powder can be substituted for fresh garlic if needed.
• Dried Thyme: Dried thyme enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the dish. Substitute with dried oregano, basil, or rosemary for different herbal notes.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and sweetness to the pasta. Substitutes include fresh parsley, coriander, or tarragon for a different herbaceous twist.
• Capers: Capers are optional but bring a briny, salty tang to the dish, creating a delightful contrast. Substitute with green olives or black olives for a similar briny flavour.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens up the flavours, making them vibrant and fresh.

Step by step directions

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat some olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a skillet or a shallow pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn soft, translucent, and release their aromatic fragrance. This forms the flavorful base of your creamy sauce.
2. Stir In Sun-dried Tomatoes: Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Give everything a thorough stir to combine. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with their robust, sweet-tangy flavour, creating a rich and savoury foundation.

3. Simmer with Single Cream: Pour in the single cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step brings creaminess to the sauce, marrying all the flavours together. As the cream simmers, it melds with the sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and garlic, creating a luxurious, velvety texture. Feel free to adjust the sauce's thickness by adding a bit of water if desired.
4. Wilt Spinach, Add Lemon Juice, and Toss with Pasta: Toss in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt from the heat of the cream sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavours and make them pop. Finally, add your cooked pasta noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Variations

This creamy sundried tomato pasta is so versatile. The options are seemingly endless. Besides pesto (red or green), olives and capers, I've listed some other options to help keep this recipe inventive and fun.

• Extra Vegetables:
  • Artichokes: Marinated or grilled artichoke hearts bring a Mediterranean twist. They add a slightly smoky and earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
  • Roasted Eggplant (Aubergine): Roasted aubergine adds a rich, smoky depth to your pasta.
  • Roasted Peppers: Roasted red or yellow peppers can add sweetness and vibrant colour to your pasta. They bring a touch of smokiness and a slightly sweet note to the overall flavour.
• Proteins:
  • Chicken: For a protein-packed option, consider adding crispy chicken. You can prepare air fryer chicken thighs separately and serve them on top of the pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • Chorizo: Introduce a smoky and spicy kick with slices of chorizo. The smokiness of chorizo pairs well with the creamy sauce, while red pepper flakes can be used for an extra touch of heat.
• Cheeses:
  • Goat’s Cheese or Ricotta: Crumbled goat's cheese or ricotta can provide a creamy and tangy contrast to the sauce. They melt beautifully into the pasta, creating pockets of creamy goodness.
• Additional Suggestions:
  • Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them on top for a textural contrast and a hint of richness.
  • Crispy Bacon or Pancetta: Crispy bacon or pancetta adds a savoury and salty element to the dish. Their rich flavour complements the creaminess and provides a satisfying contrast.