Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pasta tossed in a rich tomato-herb sauce with a hint of cream and fresh basil. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, finely chop 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add tomatoes and garlic, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped basil, then simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne to skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until coated. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?

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 Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?

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 Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce 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 Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Sauce?

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.

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