Introduction
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti is a rich, silky, and comforting pasta dish made with tender spaghetti, a creamy garlic sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.
The sauce is smooth and luxurious, with Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic adding plenty of flavor to every bite.
It is an easy restaurant-style pasta recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners, date nights, or a cozy weekend meal.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Recipe | Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti |
| Cuisine | Italian-Inspired |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Main Ingredient | Spaghetti |
| Cooking Method | Stovetop |
| Best For | Weeknight dinner, date night, comfort food |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy spaghetti is incredibly easy to prepare while still tasting rich and impressive. The silky sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet, tangy, and savory flavor that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
The combination of garlic, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and cream creates a delicious homemade pasta sauce without requiring complicated ingredients.
It is also easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, or extra vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Pasta 🍝
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Spaghetti | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Salt | 1 tbsp, for pasta water |
| Reserved pasta water | ½–1 cup |
For the Creamy Sauce 🥛🧄
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups (360 ml) |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated | ¾ cup (75 g) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp, optional |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh parsley or basil | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the salt and spaghetti.
Cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually around 8–11 minutes.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes.
Do not let it boil rapidly.
4. Add the Parmesan
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
Use tongs to toss the pasta through the creamy sauce.
Continue tossing for 1–2 minutes until every strand is evenly coated.
Add more pasta water a little at a time if needed.
The finished sauce should be creamy and silky rather than watery.
6. Finish the Pasta
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
Add freshly chopped parsley or basil.
For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan and a small pinch of red pepper flakes over the top.
7. Serve
Serve the creamy spaghetti immediately while it is hot.
Garnish with extra Parmesan, herbs, and a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Enjoy with warm garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Best Tips
Cook the spaghetti until al dente so it maintains a pleasant texture after being tossed with the hot sauce.
Always reserve pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while also helping it cling to the spaghetti.
Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible. It melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
Keep the heat low when adding Parmesan. Very high heat can cause the cheese to become grainy.
Do not allow the cream sauce to boil aggressively. A gentle simmer creates a smoother and creamier result.
Best Ingredient Options
Use spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair depending on your preference.
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are especially flavorful. If they are packed in oil, you can use a little of the oil to sauté the garlic for extra flavor.
Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, while half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
Fresh Parmesan provides the best texture, but Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Fresh basil, parsley, or spinach can be added for extra freshness and color.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Chicken Spaghetti 🍗
Add sliced cooked chicken breast to the sauce for a hearty and protein-rich dinner.
Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti 🥬
Add fresh spinach along with the sun-dried tomatoes and allow it to wilt into the creamy sauce.
Creamy Shrimp Pasta 🍤
Season shrimp with garlic, salt, and pepper, then sauté until cooked before adding them to the finished pasta.
Spicy Creamy Pasta 🌶️
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a small amount of crushed chili for a spicy kick.
Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti 🍄
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for an earthy and savory variation.
What to Serve With
Serve this creamy pasta with warm garlic bread or toasted Italian bread.
A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the rich pasta.
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make excellent side dishes.
For a special dinner, serve the spaghetti with grilled chicken or garlic shrimp.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The creamy sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, cook the spaghetti fresh when you are ready to serve.
If you need to prepare the entire dish ahead of time, slightly undercook the pasta so it does not become too soft when reheated.
Storage
Allow leftover pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Stir frequently until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions in 30–60 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Freezing
Cream-based pasta sauces can change slightly in texture after freezing and thawing.
For the best quality, this recipe is better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
If you do freeze it, place the cooled pasta in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overcook the spaghetti. Soft pasta can become mushy when combined with the hot creamy sauce.
Avoid boiling the cream aggressively because high heat can cause the sauce to separate.
Do not add Parmesan all at once over high heat. Gradually adding it over low heat helps create a smooth sauce.
Avoid adding too much salt before tasting because Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can already be salty.
Do not discard all of the pasta water. It is one of the easiest ways to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Nutrition Estimate
| Nutrient | Approx. Per Serving |
| Calories | 590 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Calcium | 310 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, and bow-tie pasta all work well with this creamy sauce.
Can I add chicken?
Yes. Cooked sliced chicken breast or grilled chicken makes an excellent addition.
Can I make this pasta spicy?
Yes. Add extra red pepper flakes, chili flakes, or a small amount of cayenne pepper.
Why is my creamy sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing the pasta until the sauce reaches a smooth, silky consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, although the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor that works particularly well with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti is a simple yet indulgent pasta dinner packed with creamy, garlicky, cheesy flavor.
The tender spaghetti, sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, herbs, and silky cream sauce come together beautifully in every bite.
Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a restaurant-style pasta recipe for a special occasion, this creamy spaghetti is a delicious choice.