Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (, sliced or chopped (dry-packed) *see note); 2 cups soy milk (, unsweetened (or any plant-based milk)); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch; 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (, freshly squeezed ); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (, more to taste (+ more for cooking water)); 12 ounces farfalle pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (, minced); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/3 cup fresh basil (, chopped); Fresh-cracked pepper (, to taste)

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In just 30 minutes, you can have this Creamy and flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. It's so easy to make too — just boil the bow tie pasta while you make the silky-smooth sauce. It'll be on your table in a flash!

Overhead view of sun dried tomato pasta in a white bowl with a fork on the side.

Calling all pasta lovers! This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta will make your taste buds dance! The sauce is super creamy and has a robust flavor from sun-dried tomatoes.

Even though the sauce is creamy, it's not too heavy, so it's perfect for the warmer months. You won't believe how easy it is and it comes together so fast! Plus, the ingredients are short and simple!

Ingredients to make the recipe on a stone table top.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed

🌟 This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. For the complete ingredient amounts and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below.

For the main ingredients, you’ll need Farfalle Pasta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

To make the creamy and flavorful base, you’ll need Olive Oil, Soy Milk, Garlic, Tomato Paste, Lemon Juice, Nutritional Yeast, Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, Cornstarch, and Salt.

For the finishing touch, you’ll need Fresh-Cut Basil and Fresh-Cracked Pepper.

6 process photos of soaking the tomatoes and making the sauce in a large pan.

How to make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

This recipe is pretty easy to make and it will go quickly so make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you begin. Here's how to make it:

1 - Rehydrate the tomatoes. Boil ¾ cup of water in a small pot, and remove from heat. Add the tomatoes and cover for 15 minutes. Drain and save the soaking water.
1 A - (not pictured) Whisk the soy milk, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, lemon, and salt together in a large bowl. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente.
2 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomatoes. Sauté until garlic is fragrant.
3 - Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4 - Pour in the reserved soaking water and gently simmer for a few minutes.
5- Whisk the sauce again and add it to the pan. Cook until it thickens slightly.
6 - When the pasta is done, reserve ½ cup of cooking water and drain. Add pasta to the skillet and stir to coat. Add a ¼ cup of pasta water and cook down until creamy and pasta is coated, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with fresh basil and pepper.

Overhead view of sun-dried tomato pasta in a large pan. Wooden spoon inside.

Success Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the best Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta ever!

Different brands of sun-dried tomatoes have varied salt content, so I kept the added salt low. You can add more if needed after you taste the completed sauce.
Don't heat the sauce too high or it could burn. You don't want it to overly reduce either. Just gently simmer until it thickens slightly.
If your pasta is done before the sauce, you may want to toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Substitute Ideas

If you don't have all of the listed ingredients, don't worry, here are some perfect substitute ideas:

Sun-Dried Tomatoes - you can use the ones that are packed in oil. Save 2 tablespoons of the oil and drain the rest. Use the soaking oil to replace the olive oil in the recipe. To fully replace the soaking water in the recipe, use ½ cup of low-sodium vegetable broth.
Nutritional Yeast - you can bump up the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons total and add 1 teaspoon of white or yellow miso paste.
Basil - you can also use fresh parsley.
Farfalle pasta- you can replace it with Conchiglie, Penne, Fusilli, or ziti.
Can't find sun-dried tomatoes? Learn how to make them in your oven, here.

Flavor amp-up ideas

This sun-dried tomato pasta has all of the flavor it needs, but if you feel like turning it up a notch, here are a few amp-up ideas:

For a smoky flavor, add ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. Add more to taste.
For extra zing, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
To add umami flavor, add 1 teaspoon of white or yellow miso paste.
For a little zip, add ½-1 teaspoon of dijon mustard.
A sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing.
Only choose 1 or 2 of these options or it could overpower the flavors of the written recipe. You just want to enhance, not alter.

Can I make this gluten-free?

YES! Just switch out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. I really love the Jovial brand of gluten-free pasta. It has the perfect texture that's similar to wheat pasta.

Serving Suggestions

It's perfect all on its own, but it goes nicely with salad, a piece of artisan bread, and a glass of white wine. Don't forget to top it with lots of vegan parmesan cheese!

Overhead view of pasta in a bowl with a fork on the side.

More pasta recipes to try

I love to hear from you

If you make this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta