One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta Delight

Welcome to your new favorite meal! One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta is simple, quick, and full of flavor. You only need one pot to make this dish, and cleanup is a breeze. With ingredients like creamy heavy cream and fresh basil, each bite will take you right to Italy. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 340 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
– 240 ml sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
– 4 cloves garlic
– 950 ml vegetable broth
– 240 ml heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Gather fresh and quality ingredients to make this dish shine. Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic create a great base. The vegetable broth adds depth, while heavy cream brings creaminess. You can adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and aroma. Salt and black pepper enhance the taste. Finally, Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast gives a savory finish. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. This dish is all about bringing these ingredients together for a delightful meal. Enjoy the process and savor the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil warms up, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, toss in 240 ml of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them for another minute to mix the flavors well.
Cooking the Pasta
Carefully pour in 950 ml of vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a boil. Season this mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Once it’s boiling, add 340 grams of your chosen pasta, like penne or fusilli. Stir the pasta well to coat it in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches
When the pasta is done, lower the heat. Gently mix in 240 ml of heavy cream and 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Now, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil, folding it into the pasta. Let it cook for another minute so the basil wilts beautifully. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Pasta
For this dish, I recommend using penne or fusilli. These shapes hold sauce well. They cook evenly and give a nice bite. For penne, cook it for about 10-12 minutes. Fusilli will take a similar time, so keep an eye on it. Check the package for specific cooking times if you use a different type.
Enhancing Flavor
Want to add more flavor? Consider mixing in some spinach or cherry tomatoes. Fresh spinach wilts nicely and adds color. You can also try adding a pinch of oregano or thyme for depth. If you crave creaminess, increase the heavy cream or add a splash of lemon juice for tang. This will brighten the dish and balance the flavors.
Presentation Ideas
Serve your pasta in deep bowls for a cozy look. Top it with extra fresh basil leaves for color. A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds texture and richness. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine. This will make the dish look even more tempting!
Variations
Vegan Version
To make this dish vegan, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options add a nice richness without dairy. You can also replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without using animal products. For added protein, try stirring in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. They blend well with the pasta and add texture.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa pasta. These alternatives cook differently, so check the package for cooking times. You might need to reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Always taste a bit to ensure it’s al dente.
Adding Proteins
You can enhance this pasta by adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beans. If using chicken, cook it first in the pot before adding garlic. For shrimp, add them after you pour in the vegetable broth. They cook quickly and add great flavor. If you use canned beans, rinse them and add them near the end of cooking. This ensures they heat without becoming mushy.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, use a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. Stir often to heat evenly. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely. Heat in short bursts, checking often.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze this pasta dish easily. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding some broth to keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?
Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes. However, you should soak them first. Place them in warm water for about 20 minutes. This will help soften them. After soaking, chop them and add to the pot as you would with oil-packed tomatoes. They will add a nice flavor, but remember, oil-packed tomatoes have a richer taste.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger serving size?
To serve more people, simply multiply the ingredients. For example, if you want to serve eight, double all the amounts. You may need a larger pot to hold everything. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as more pasta may require a bit longer to cook evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to help it warm up without drying out. Enjoy your meal with minimal effort!
This blog post outlined a simple, tasty recipe for One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it. I shared tips on choosing pasta, enhancing flavors, and presentation ideas. You also discovered variations like vegan and gluten-free options. Lastly, I covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions.
This dish is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious pasta with friends and family!
