Some days call for creamy pasta that’s full of cozy, savory goodness—and this One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta totally delivers.
The angel hair cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up the richness of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy parmesan sauce.
It’s the perfect quick dinner that feels indulgent but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All made in one pan – Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
Ultra creamy – Thanks to half and half, parmesan, and optional cream cheese.
Naturally sweet & tangy – Sun-dried tomatoes add a bold punch.
Quick to make – Ready in about 20 minutes, start to finish.
Customizable – Add spinach, grilled chicken, or chili flakes to make it your own.
Comfort food with a twist – Elevated enough for guests, but cozy enough for solo dinners.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Butter + garlic – The flavor base for any great pasta dish.
Chicken stock – Adds depth and protein to the sauce.
Half and half – For a smooth, creamy consistency.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Packed with rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Angel hair pasta – Cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and umami.
Cream cheese – Optional, but brings luxurious creaminess.
Italian seasoning + pepper – Classic herbs and spice for balance.
Red pepper flakes – Totally optional, but great for heat lovers.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room-temperature dairy – Prevents curdling when added to hot liquid.
Don’t break the pasta – Let it soften naturally in the pan.
Stir often – This ensures the noodles cook evenly and don’t clump.
Add extra liquid if needed – The pasta may absorb more than expected.
Cream cheese tip – Soften it before adding to help it melt evenly into the sauce.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Start the Sauce
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning.
Slowly stir in the half and half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Add the Pasta
Lay the angel hair pasta into the skillet and let it sit briefly until it softens enough to be fully submerged.
Avoid snapping the strands—let the heat do the work.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Allow the pasta to cook directly in the simmering sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
If using cream cheese, stir it in now and let it melt fully into the sauce for a richer finish.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the pasta reaches al dente, sprinkle parmesan over the top and stir gently to combine.
Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash of stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve warm and creamy.
What to Serve It With
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread or buttery baguette slices
Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli
Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
A glass of chilled white wine
Variations / Substitutions
Make it spicy – Use more red pepper flakes or add hot chili oil.
Add greens – Toss in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Swap the pasta – Spaghetti or fettuccine also work well here.
Try plant-based – Use dairy-free half and half and vegan parmesan.
Protein boost – Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk.
Not freezer-friendly – Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen.
Best served fresh – Though leftovers are still delicious!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?
Yes, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy. Whole milk is a better option than low-fat.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Angel hair is ideal for quick cooking, but spaghetti or linguine can also be used—just adjust the simmer time.
How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
If it thickens too much, simply add a bit of extra chicken stock or a splash of milk to loosen it.
Is the cream cheese necessary?
Nope! It’s optional, but it does make the sauce silkier and a touch richer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter, coconut cream or dairy-free milk, and vegan parmesan.
Will this work without sun-dried tomatoes?
You can omit them, but they add a ton of flavor.
Try roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes as a substitute.
How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?
Keep a close eye on it and stir regularly.
Angel hair cooks quickly, so don’t walk away!
Final Thoughts
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta hits that perfect middle ground between comfort food and quick weeknight dinner.
With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, it transforms into something you’ll want to make again and again.
It’s rich, savory, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring an unexpected burst of flavor that makes it anything but ordinary.
