Italian Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy pasta dish infused with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of Parmesan for a rich, authentic flavor. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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, fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz fettuccine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1/3 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Toss 12 oz cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until creamy and well coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Italian Herb-Infused 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 fettuccine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Herb-Infused 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 Italian Herb-Infused Pasta with 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 Italian Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Italian quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
