Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Simple pasta tossed with a herby tomato sauce and melted cheese, ready in 15 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs penne pasta, oil-packed, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/4 cup, oil-packed, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add drained penne to skillet along with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, then adjust salt if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Herb Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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