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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you are planning a cozy family dinner, a romantic date night, or simply want to impress friends with your culinary skills, this pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture, coupled with the vibrant and tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Pasta, a perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy texture that's sure to impress. Ideal for family dinners or romantic nights, this dish showcases sun-dried tomatoes and a velvety cream sauce. Learn how to cook pasta to perfection, create a flavorful sauce, and add fresh basil for a vibrant finish. This recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Enjoy a culinary journey that enhances your cooking skills and brings loved ones together!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a roaring boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta while reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until they release their delightful fragrance and infuse the oil.

      Prepare the Creamy Sauce: To the skillet, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is lightly golden and aromatic.

        Create the Cream Base: Gently pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, incrementally add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure that every piece is evenly coated in the luscious creamy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

            Finish with Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.

              Serve: Plate the creamy sun-dried tomato penne pasta elegantly. For an extra touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings