One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A rich, aromatic pasta dish made entirely in one pot with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a velvety tomato cream sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne Pasta, minced Garlic, (14 oz), drained Diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in diced tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes break down and release juices.
  3. Step 3: Add pasta, 3 cups of water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, adding more water if needed, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Remove pot from heat. Stir in heavy cream, half the basil, and half the Parmesan until sauce thickens and coats the pasta (about 2 minutes). Add remaining basil and Parmesan to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil garnish, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

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.

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