Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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! 

Calling all pasta lovers! I have another quick and easy pasta recipe that you may want to try out. The sauce is super creamy and has a robust flavor from the 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!

WHAT DO I NEED?

(FULL AMOUNTS IN 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.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• 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 (add remaining pasta water if needed). Remove from heat, then sprinkle with fresh basil and pepper.

SUCCESS TIPS:

• 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 dry-packed 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.
• If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can bump up the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons total and add 1 teaspoon of white or yellow miso paste.
• Instead of basil, you can use fresh parsley.
• Don't have farfalle pasta? No problem! 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:

• 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.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA?

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!

MORE VEGAN PASTA RECIPES TO TRY:

• One-Pot Tomato Orzo
• Vegan Penne Alla Vodka
• Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

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.