Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne
Delight your taste buds with this Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne! This delectable dish combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers with the creaminess of whipped cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Paired with fresh basil, this creamy pasta sauce has just the right kick from crushed red pepper flakes to tantalize your palate. Serve it up and watch everyone come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
4 (finely chopped)
sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup (packed in oil, chopped, drained)
whipping cream
1 cup (none)
roasted red peppers
1 (7 1/4 ounce) jar (drained, chopped)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh basil leaves
1 cup (chopped)
penne pasta
1 lb (none)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the olive oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, whipping cream, chopped roasted red peppers, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
4
Add 1/2 cup of the fresh basil and continue to simmer for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
6
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.
7
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the pasta, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of basil. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
8
If the pasta seems too dry, add the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
9
Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne?
It is a flavorful pasta dish that combines penne with a rich sauce made of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese, finished with a kick of red pepper flakes and fresh basil.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of penne pasta.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which should be drained and chopped.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from 1 cup of whipping cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much roasted red pepper is required?
You will need one 7 1/4 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained and chopped.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to suit your spice preference.
How much fresh basil do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves in total.
When should I add the basil to the sauce?
Add 1/2 cup of basil while the sauce is simmering and the remaining 1/2 cup when tossing the sauce with the cooked pasta.
How should I cook the penne?
Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until it reaches an al dente consistency.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
What is the reserved pasta water used for?
It is used to adjust the consistency of the dish if the pasta seems too dry after being tossed with the sauce.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 27.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 11.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the finely chopped garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is heating olive oil in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the pasta?
The sauce should simmer for about 2 minutes with the cream and peppers, then an additional minute after adding the first half of the basil.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
The recipe recommends freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting consistency.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include pasta, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, quick dinner, spicy, italian, weeknight meal, and vegetarian.
Is this recipe good for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as being quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.
How should I season the final dish?
Season the pasta to taste with salt and pepper just before serving.
What size jar of roasted red peppers do I need?
You need a 7 1/4 ounce jar.
Can I use any other oil besides olive oil?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the garlic.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
You should use medium heat to heat the oil and a gentle simmer for the sauce.
What is the total amount of pasta used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of penne pasta.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Sauté it for only 1 minute and watch it closely to ensure it only becomes fragrant.