A creamy, savory pasta dish that’s so good, it’s said to inspire proposals! This indulgent recipe features a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with a hint of spice, paired perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni work well)
- Salt for boiling water
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (150 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained slightly)
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Create the Cream Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken/vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish.
- Serve immediately, pairing with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.