Easy One-Pan Sun-dried Pasta

This sundried tomato pasta comes together quickly and easily in just one pan, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. The dish combines the tangy brightness of sundried tomatoes with a creamy, savory sauce that coats delicate angel hair pasta. A touch of butter and fresh garlic forms a fragrant base, while chicken stock and half and half create a rich and smooth texture. Adding parmesan at the end boosts umami and makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how fast it came together. Since then, it has become my go-to when I want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Butter: this gives a rich savory base and helps everything blend smoothly so look for real unsalted butter for best taste
• Fresh garlic: adds important depth and aroma fresh is best but jarred minced works if you are short on time
• Chicken stock or bone broth: gives a savoriness that brings the sauce together low sodium lets you control seasoning
• Half and half or whole milk: makes the sauce creamy room temperature dairy blends most easily so avoid cold from the fridge
• Sundried tomatoes: pack a punch of flavor and tangy sweetness drain the oil well for a balanced sauce
• Angel hair pasta: this cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavor but spaghetti or bucatini will work too just adjust the cook time
• Parmesan cheese: grated just before using gives the best flavor and melt look for real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
• Cream cheese: optional but makes the sauce extra silky and smooth go for full fat and soften first
• Italian seasoning: brings a blend of herbs so choose a fresh jar for more vibrance
• Freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of salt: for seasoning grinding right before adds more heat
• Red pepper flakes: optional but add a little pop of heat

Instructions

Sauté the Garlic and Butter:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat add minced garlic and let it cook gently for one minute so it becomes golden and fragrant do not rush this part as the garlic flavor builds the sauce base

Simmer the Saucy Components:

Pour in chicken stock sundried tomatoes Italian seasoning pepper salt and red pepper flakes if using stir well then slowly pour in the half and half this lets the dairy gently warm up and not curdle raise the heat until the liquid is just at a gentle boil

Nestle in the Pasta:

Lay the angel hair pasta into the skillet all at once let it sit for thirty seconds before you push it into the liquid this stops the pasta from snapping apart and allows it to soften evenly

Cook to Creamy Perfection:

Let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce for around five minutes then lower the heat to a gentle simmer if using cream cheese add it now and let it melt fully into the sauce stir often until noodles are just al dente and the sauce is thick and glossy

Finish with Cheese and Adjust:

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the whole skillet stir to combine and taste add more salt and pepper as needed if the sauce seems too thick pour in a little splash of chicken stock or half and half to loosen it up

I am obsessed with sun dried tomatoes because their tangy sweet flavor gives so much oomph with almost no effort sometimes my kids sneak them right off the cutting board before I can stir them into the skillet I always keep an extra jar on hand now

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. For the best texture add a splash of broth or milk before reheating on the stove or in the microwave which brings the creamy sauce back to life.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap spaghetti or bucatini for angel hair just cook a few minutes longer. If you want a vegetarian version use vegetable stock instead of chicken and skip the parmesan or sub in nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is beautiful with a crisp green salad or a handful of steamed asparagus. For extra protein add shredded cooked chicken or toss in a cup of baby spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. If you love a crunch sprinkle with toasted pine nuts right before serving.

This sundried tomato pasta is a fast comforting weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s easy to customize and comes together in about fifteen minutes.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other pasta types instead of angel hair?

Yes, spaghetti or bucatini can be swapped in, though they may require a few extra minutes of cooking to become tender.

→ What adds extra creaminess to the sauce?

Softened cream cheese stirred in near the end enriches the sauce with a smooth, luscious texture.

→ How do I keep the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Push the pasta gently into the simmering liquid soon after adding it so it softens evenly and doesn’t break apart.

→ Can I substitute chicken stock with another broth?

Bone broth is a flavorful alternative that adds richness and protein, while vegetable stock works well for a vegetarian version.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Add a splash of chicken stock or half and half before gently reheating to maintain the creamy sauce and pasta texture.