When the day stretches longer than expected and the kitchen feels like a chore, this One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta steps in like an old friend. It’s the kind of dish where you can almost hear the soft simmering, smell the garlicky warmth, and watch the sauce thicken right before your eyes. I remember one evening—somewhere between rushing kids and a stack of emails—I tossed everything in the pot without overthinking. The creamy sauce, laced with tangy sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil, felt like a small reward for the chaos of the day. I wasn’t sure if it would come together perfectly, but by the time the pasta was tender, the kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian trattoria. And yes, I may have lingered just a bit too long stirring, almost forgetting the rest of the evening’s plans.

There’s something about one pot meals that turn cooking into a simple, satisfying ritual. No need for a dozen dishes or complicated prep, just a handful of ingredients that meld into something unexpectedly rich and comforting.

It all cooks in one pot, so cleanup is almost effortless—though stirring does require some attention to avoid sticking.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is indulgent, but the sun dried tomatoes add a bright, slightly tangy contrast that keeps it balanced.
Timing is flexible; you can tweak the simmer to get your ideal pasta texture, though it’s easy to overshoot if you get distracted.
Fresh basil at the end lifts the whole dish with a fragrant, herbal note that feels like a little kitchen victory.

If you’re someone who likes your weeknight dinners with a side of simplicity and a touch of elegance, this pasta fits right in. It’s not flashy, and sometimes the sauce might thicken a little more than planned, but that’s just part of its charm.

One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Print Recipe

A quick and easy one pot pasta dish featuring creamy sauce infused with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces dried penne pasta
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the dried penne pasta, sun dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Using a heavy-bottomed pot really helps keep the pasta from sticking, especially when stirring during the simmer. I usually serve this with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but honestly, it’s just as good without any extras. If you want to switch up the creaminess, a splash of half-and-half can work, though it won’t be quite as rich. And if you’re in a hurry, skipping the fresh basil at the end is okay, though it does add a fresh brightness.

FAQ

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun dried? The flavor will be less intense, but you could try slow-roasting fresh tomatoes to get a similar effect.

Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, it’s fully vegetarian but not vegan unless you substitute cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; gently reheat with a splash of water or cream.

When you’re ready for a comforting, no-fuss dinner, give this creamy sun dried tomato pasta a try. It’s a simple pleasure that somehow feels like a little celebration in your own kitchen.