Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has it all: convenience, flavor, and a creamy texture that makes each bite a delight. The best part? It’s made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and dill creates a rich, tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s quick to make, with only a few simple ingredients needed to create a luxurious dish. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you’re craving a decadent meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne works great)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in Cream & Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried or fresh dill, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pot. Toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once combined, it’s time to serve! Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your rich and flavorful meal!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add Protein: You can easily add chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to this pasta for extra protein and flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and vegetable broth instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Skip the Parmesan cheese or opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Try adding spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for added veggies and color.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover creamy sun-dried tomato pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce, and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil?
Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and chop them before adding to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and toss it in the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe without capers?
If you don’t have capers or prefer not to use them, you can omit them, but they do add a unique salty tang that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully. You could substitute with olives for a similar briny flavor.
4. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or rigatoni. The sauce will coat any type of pasta well.
5. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! To make the dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative, and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Can I freeze leftover pasta?
While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t freeze well, you can freeze the sauce separately and then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
8. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love heat, you can add more red pepper flakes, or even include a chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce.
9. Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, fresh dill works wonderfully in this recipe. Use 2 tablespoons of fresh dill in place of the teaspoon of dried dill for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
10. Can I make this recipe without garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic or need to avoid it, you can omit it, though it does add depth to the flavor. You can replace it with a small amount of onion for a subtle alternative.
Conclusion
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Capers and Dill is a one-pot wonder that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, briny capers, and aromatic dill in a creamy sauce creates a luxurious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and minimal cleanup. Enjoy every bite of this rich and delicious pasta!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Capers and Dill
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Capers and Dill is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors, all in one pot. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich umami depth, while the capers offer a briny burst of flavor. Dill adds an aromatic herbal note, and the creamy sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne works great)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and capers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the dried or fresh dill, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add the drained pasta to the pot. Toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once combined, it’s time to serve! Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your rich and flavorful meal!
Notes
You can substitute the pasta with your preferred shape, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
If you prefer a vegan option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.
For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat the pasta by adding a bit of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce and warming it in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
