We’ve all been there—long day, empty fridge, and zero desire to do the dishes. That’s where the magic of one-pan meals steps in. This One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta isn’t just a quick recipe—it’s your secret weapon for cozy, satisfying dinners that feel gourmet but take less time than reheating leftovers.
In just 30 minutes, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a creamy, tangy, restaurant-worthy pasta dish—without dirtying more than one pan. Whether you’re a college student, a parent juggling mealtime chaos, or just someone who wants maximum flavor with minimal mess, this pasta was made for you.
Let’s dig in.
1. Why One-Pan Pasta is a Game-Changer
Cooking pasta in one pot with the sauce isn’t just a lazy trick—it’s a technique that enhances flavor and texture. As the pasta simmers directly in seasoned broth and cream, it releases starch, which thickens the sauce and creates a naturally silky, clingy finish. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Fewer Dishes: One skillet = no colander, no extra pots.
- Faster Cleanup: Spend time eating, not scrubbing.
- More Flavor: Pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks—no bland noodles here.
- Easy to Customize: Add-ins like rotisserie chicken, mushrooms, or spinach make it adaptable.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like pasta, broth, garlic, and dried herbs.
2. Key Ingredients and What Makes Them Special
Each ingredient in this recipe has a job. Here’s why they matter:
🟠 Olive Oil
The base of flavor. It’s the first thing in the pan and helps sauté aromatics while providing richness.
🟡 Onion
Brings depth and sweetness. A finely diced onion mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes.
🧄 Garlic
Sharp, pungent, and bold—garlic is essential for building a foundation of savory comfort.
🔴 Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These concentrated bites of tomato flavor are chewy, tangy, and slightly sweet. A game-changer for creamy pasta.
🌶 Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, but recommended. They balance the creaminess with a touch of heat.
🍝 Pasta
Short shapes like penne or rotini work best. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
🍗 Chicken Broth
Adds more flavor than water and acts as the liquid to cook the pasta.
🥛 Heavy Cream
The ingredient that turns this from “just pasta” to “what did I do to deserve this deliciousness?!”
🧀 Parmesan Cheese
Salty, nutty, and melty. Parmesan elevates the sauce to something you’ll want to eat by the spoon.
🌿 Fresh Herbs
Optional but beautiful. A sprinkle of parsley or basil adds freshness and color.
3. Step-by-Step Recipe: One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
🔪 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽 Total Time: 30 minutes
🍴 Servings: 4
✅ Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
- Add uncooked pasta and pour in chicken broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered.
- Stir frequently so pasta doesn’t stick. Cook 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding cream too early: If you add the cream before the pasta is done, it may curdle. Always add it last.
❌ Walking away while it simmers: This is one-pan pasta, not set-it-and-forget-it. Stir often to prevent sticking.
❌ Using poor-quality broth: Since the pasta absorbs all the liquid, bland broth = bland pasta. Choose flavorful stock or make your own.
❌ Skipping the salt until the end: Broth can be salty, but taste the pasta before adding extra salt.
5. Flavor Variations to Try
Want to change it up? These ideas keep things exciting:
- With Chicken: Add shredded rotisserie chicken near the end of cooking for extra protein.
- With Spinach: Toss in a handful of baby spinach when you add the cream.
- With Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for an earthy twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free short pasta.
6. Tips for Storing and Reheating
🧊 Storing:
- Let the pasta cool to room temp.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Lasts up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating:
- Warm on the stove over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave in intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
⚠️ Do not freeze this dish—the cream will separate and turn grainy.
7. Make It a Meal: What to Serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Garlic Bread: The classic. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy dressing balances the tomato’s tang.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets: For a protein-packed dinner.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
❓Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Not really. Fresh tomatoes don’t pack the same concentrated flavor. If you must, roast them first.
❓Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage work well.
❓Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit as needed.
❓Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully with a splash of liquid.
9. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 487 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Cholesterol | 47mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on brands and optional add-ins.
10. Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is more than just another weeknight meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort after a long day, feels fancy without being fussy, and reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, this pasta checks every box: easy, affordable, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.
Next time you’re staring into your pantry, tired and hungry, remember this recipe. One pan. Zero stress. Endless satisfaction.
