One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers
A quick, vibrant pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, briny capers, and fresh herbs in a single skillet. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, pitted, sliced black olives 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pitted, sliced black olives
- 2 tbsp drained capers
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tbsp capers, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat pasta.
- Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers?
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 One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers?
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 One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers 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 One-Pan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers?
Italian one pot 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
- ★★★★★
This pasta is a game-changer! The sun-dried tomatoes gave such a rich flavor, and the capers added the perfect tang. My family loved it.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Made it for my wife's birthday, and she was thrilled.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the pasta was a bit too chewy for my taste. Next time I'll cook it a minute less.
