Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a crispy herb topping that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes (drained), sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup fresh basil and 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Sprinkle over pasta and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust?
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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Herb Crust?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
