Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our irresistible Pasta with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 20 minutes from start to finish, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will transport your taste buds straight to a charming Italian trattoria. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be a hit at your dinner table!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 4 cloves garlic
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Drain and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Once water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the skillet with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss thoroughly to combine.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Each shape holds the sauce differently, so pick one that you love!
- Perfectly Al Dente: To achieve that perfect texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, tasting the pasta a minute or two before it’s done.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic slowly over medium heat to release its aromatic flavor without burning it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a little kick.
- Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta cooking water is your secret weapon! It helps to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of basil or parsley can elevate the dish visually and add a burst of freshness.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like spinach, olives, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 519kcal
Carbohydrates: 87g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
