Hidden Gem Creamy Tomato Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-01 · Updated 2026-04-01

A deceptively simple pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes blended into the sauce for a hidden burst of umami, creating a rich, complex flavor that elevates basic ingredients. This Italian pasta recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner. Each serving lands at about 650 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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 olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened, then stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 1 cup heavy cream, and stir until combined. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until wilted.
5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce coats the strands evenly. Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.