Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luscious pasta dish combining roasted garlic and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the tops off 6 whole garlic cloves to expose the cloves, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 25 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz penne pasta for 10-12 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil and add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the skillet, then pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine and warm through for 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen if needed.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and 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 Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and 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 Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Creamy Italian Pasta with Roasted Garlic and 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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