Sun-dried Tomato Pasta Skillet

This one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner with minimal effort. The creamy sauce infused with tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors that clings beautifully to the delicate angel hair pasta.

This pasta became my go-to "impress guests without stress" recipe after I first made it during a particularly hectic holiday season. The combination of speed and sophistication makes it my secret weapon for both weeknight dinners and impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

• Butter forms the rich base of our sauce while adding a silky mouthfeel
• Garlic adds essential aromatic depth look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Chicken stock creates the foundation of our sauce use low sodium for better control
• Half and half provides creaminess without being too heavy room temperature prevents curdling
• Sun dried tomatoes deliver intense concentrated flavor and beautiful color
• Angel hair pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Parmesan cheese adds nutty saltiness and helps thicken the sauce use freshly grated for best melting
• Cream cheese optional but adds extra creaminess and body to the sauce
• Italian seasoning provides herbal notes in one convenient blend
• Black pepper freshly cracked offers superior flavor and aroma
• Salt enhances all other flavors kosher salt is ideal
• Red pepper flakes optional for those who enjoy a gentle heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create The Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat until it begins to foam. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for exactly one minute this infuses the butter with flavor without burning the garlic which would create bitterness. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.

Build The Sauce Foundation

Pour in the chicken stock slowly while stirring to incorporate with the garlic butter. Add your drained sun dried tomatoes Italian seasoning black pepper and salt. Gently pour in the half and half while continuously stirring to prevent any separation. Bring this mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer not a rolling boil which could cause the dairy to break.

Cook The Pasta

Add the angel hair pasta directly to the simmering liquid. Let it rest untouched for about 30 seconds to begin softening then use tongs to gently submerge it fully in the sauce. This method allows the pasta to absorb the flavors directly rather than cooking separately in plain water.

Create The Creamy Texture

Maintain a gentle simmer for approximately 5 minutes stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will release starch that naturally thickens the sauce. If using cream cheese add it now in small pieces allowing each to melt before adding more this ensures a smooth incorporation without lumps.

Finish With Cheese

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese into the pasta gradually while stirring continually. This helps it melt evenly without clumping and creates a glossy emulsified sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed the cheese adds saltiness so additional salt may not be necessary.

Adjust Consistency

The perfect consistency should coat the pasta without pooling in the bottom of the pan. If too thick add a small splash of broth or half and half. If too thin continue simmering for another minute to reduce. Serve immediately while the sauce is at its peak creaminess.

Bookmark

The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the star of this dish. I discovered their transformative power years ago while studying in Italy, where my host mother would add them to nearly everything. Their concentrated umami flavor adds a depth that fresh tomatoes simply cannot match, especially during winter months when fresh produce lacks flavor.

Make-Ahead Options

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. I often prepare a double batch specifically to have leftovers for quick lunches.

Customization Ideas

While perfect as written, this recipe welcomes endless variations. Add protein like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms can be added during the final minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. The flexible nature of this dish makes it adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta in warmed bowls to keep it at the perfect temperature longer. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the rich pasta. For a complete meal, pair with garlic bread to capture every bit of the delicious sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy tomato flavors beautifully.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce separates or looks curdled, lower the heat immediately and whisk vigorously to recombine. Adding a spoonful of cream cheese can help rescue a broken sauce. For those preferring a thicker sauce, sprinkle in a little more Parmesan or let it reduce slightly longer. If you accidentally oversalt, a squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the flavors.

Pro Tips

Always reserve a few tablespoons of pasta cooking liquid before draining when making any pasta dish it contains valuable starch for creating silky sauces

Room temperature dairy products incorporate more smoothly than cold ones preventing sauce separation

For an extra depth of flavor toast the dried Italian herbs in the butter before adding liquid ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute angel hair with other pasta types like fettuccine or linguine, but you'll need to adjust cooking time accordingly. Thicker pasta will require 2-3 minutes longer.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version while maintaining all the flavor depth.

→ What can I substitute for half and half?

You can use whole milk for a lighter version or heavy cream for a richer result. Plant-based alternatives like unsweetened oat cream also work well.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage make excellent additions. Cook the protein separately first, then add it back to the pasta at the end.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce base ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the pasta directly in it.