The Ultimate Guide to Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re craving something comforting yet sophisticated, and you want to transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast. That’s exactly what happened to me last Tuesday when I discovered this incredible Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe.

What started as a desperate fridge raid turned into my new favorite go-to meal that combines the intense, concentrated flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with creamy coconut milk and fresh arugula. This plant-based masterpiece proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create restaurant-quality pasta that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!).

The magic happens when those ruby-red sun-dried tomatoes meet aromatic garlic and Italian seasoning, creating an intoxicating aroma that fills your entire kitchen. Add in the unexpected twist of nutritional yeast for that perfect umami depth, and you’ve got a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll be honest – I was skeptical about using coconut milk in pasta until I tried this recipe. The thick cream from canned coconut milk creates the most luxuriously silky sauce that coats every strand of fettuccine without feeling heavy. Unlike traditional cream-based sauces that can leave you feeling sluggish, this version energizes you with fresh baby arugula and bright parsley that add both color and a peppery bite.

What really sold me on this recipe was its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re cooking for gluten-free friends, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or simply want something that looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes, this pasta delivers every single time. Plus, the combination of cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes gives you layers of tomato flavor that taste like summer in every bite. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional weeknight inspiration.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece:

Find more healthy recipe ideas here to complete your meal planning repertoire.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to create this show-stopping Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta? Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success every time:

1. 
   

   Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid will help create the perfect sauce consistency.

   
   
2. 
   

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their concentrated flavors into the oil.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in balsamic vinegar and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until the paste deepens in color and becomes aromatic.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a natural sauce base.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

   
   
7. 
   

   Add the thick coconut cream and nutritional yeast, stirring until completely combined. Season generously with salt and pepper.

   
   
8. 
   

   Toss in the cooked pasta along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Mix everything together, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

   
   
9. 
   

   Remove from heat and fold in the arugula and parsley – the residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly while maintaining their vibrant color.

   
   
10. 
    

    Serve immediately with optional vegan parmesan and an extra drizzle of good olive oil.

    
    

Exact Timing to make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

This entire Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta comes together in just 25 minutes from start to finish. Here’s your timing breakdown:

• Pasta cooking time: 8-12 minutes (depending on brand)
• Sauce preparation: 10-12 minutes
• Final assembly: 2-3 minutes

Pro tip: Start your pasta water boiling first, then begin the sauce when you add the pasta to the pot. This ensures everything finishes at the same time for the freshest, hottest results.

Nutritional Information

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta isn’t just delicious – it’s surprisingly nutritious too! Here’s the complete breakdown per serving (serves 4):

Key Nutritional Highlights: The sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health. The arugula contributes significant vitamin K for bone health, while the coconut milk offers healthy medium-chain fatty acids. Nutritional yeast adds B-vitamins, particularly B12 when fortified.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to customize this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for your specific dietary needs? Here are proven swaps that maintain the incredible flavor while boosting nutrition:

Discover more nutritious dinner recipes here to expand your healthy meal rotation.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta into a complete Mediterranean feast with these complementary additions:

Create a balanced plate by serving alongside a crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons and lemon-herb vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy textures perfectly contrast the rich, creamy pasta while adding extra vegetables to your meal.

Elevate the experience with warm, crusty sourdough bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt for dipping. The bread helps soak up every last drop of that incredible sun-dried tomato sauce.

Add protein power by incorporating grilled tempeh, white beans, or roasted chickpeas directly into the pasta. These plant-based proteins complement the Mediterranean flavors while making the dish more satisfying and nutritionally complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these simple oversights ruin your perfect Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta experience:

Overcooking the garlic is the fastest way to introduce bitter flavors that will overpower the delicate sun-dried tomato taste. Keep the heat at medium and watch carefully – garlic should be fragrant and golden, never brown or black.

Using the wrong coconut milk consistency can make or break your sauce. Always use full-fat canned coconut milk and only the thick cream portion – the watery liquid at the top won’t create that luxurious, restaurant-quality texture you’re after.

Adding the greens too early will result in wilted, mushy arugula that loses its peppery bite and vibrant color. Wait until you’ve removed the pan from heat, then fold in the arugula and parsley so they stay fresh and maintain their nutritional value.

Storing Tips

Keep your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta fresh and delicious with these proven storage methods:

Refrigerate leftovers properly by storing them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the sun-dried tomatoes continue to infuse the sauce, making day-two portions even more flavorful than the original.

Reheat with care by adding a splash of vegetable broth or coconut milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Gentle reheating in a skillet over low heat works better than microwaving, which can separate the coconut cream and make the pasta gummy.

Freeze for future meals by portioning cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with extra liquid – this makes meal prep incredibly convenient for busy weeks ahead.

FAQs

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight favorite bursting with rich tomato flavor, silky coconut cream, and peppery arugula. Easy to make in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something vibrant, healthy, and satisfying. A must-try for fans of recipes vegetarian healthy and recipes quick that bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 servings gluten-free fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• 7 oz full-fat canned coconut milk (use thick cream)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby arugula
• ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Vegan parmesan (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes to infuse the oil.
4. Stir in balsamic vinegar and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until deepened in color.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
6. Pour in water or vegetable broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add coconut cream and nutritional yeast, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Toss in cooked pasta and ¼ cup reserved pasta water, mixing until the sauce coats the pasta. Add more water if needed.
9. Remove from heat and fold in arugula and parsley until wilted and vibrant.
10. Serve warm with vegan parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or a handful of toasted pine nuts before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water or broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta, recipes vegetarian healthy, recipes quick, recipes pasta, recipes dinner