Vintage Guitar String Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a vibrant herb sauce, evoking the warm tones of a classic Martin guitar. This italian-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 penne pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2, finely minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (with oil) and 1/4 cup chopped basil, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Drain pasta, add to skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, and toss vigorously until sauce coats strands and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Fold in 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vintage Guitar String 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 Vintage Guitar String 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 Vintage Guitar String 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 Vintage Guitar String 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 Vintage Guitar String Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
