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Spaghetti Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This Spaghetti Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With its rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful profile, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Minutes 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for drizzling
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot,
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
    1 pound spaghetti
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 cloves garlic
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and their flavor to infuse the oil.
    1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
    1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  5. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring to combine. This will help emulsify the sauce and give it a luscious consistency.
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  6. Taste the sauce and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all the strands of pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
    1 pound spaghetti, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  7. Divide the Spaghetti Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce among serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
    fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil

Notes

Leftover Spaghetti Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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