You know those evenings when you’re staring into your pantry hoping dinner magically makes itself? Yeah, this recipe was born from that exact moment. One pan, zero stress, and flavor that makes you pause mid-bite. This one-pan sun-dried tomato pasta brings together creamy goodness, tangy tomatoes, and a little garlic attitude. We’re not measuring happiness here, but if you could, it would probably look like this dinner. It’s loaded with everything I want in a meal when I’m tired but still want something that feels… intentional. Comforting. Bold. Like I cooked with love (even if I was wearing pajama pants and yelling at my dog to get off the counter). Perfect for those who want easy recipes for dinner, are craving something cozy, and maybe even forgot to thaw the chicken. And hey, if you’re into sweet easy recipes or looking for dinner ideas that work with rotisserie chicken or even ground beef, you could totally tweak it. But me? I like it just like this. One pan. One mission. Zero regrets.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
4) How to Make One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
5) Tips for Making One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
6) Making One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
8) Try these pasta & pizza recipes next!
9) One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This one-pan pasta is creamy, rich, and done in under 30 minutes.
Use pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients.
You can add rotisserie chicken or ground beef for a protein boost.
This is a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families.

2) Easy One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

If I had a dime for every time I wanted something quick and didn’t want dishes, I’d have… a lot of dimes. And probably a cleaner kitchen. That’s where this pasta comes in.

Quick and easy recipes usually promise a lot and leave you with bland results. This one walks the talk. The sun-dried tomatoes are sharp and a little chewy, the cream is smooth and the cheese ties it together in a way that’s way too satisfying for how little effort it takes.

In less time than it takes to scroll through a week’s worth of saved reels, you’ve got dinner that feels homemade and thoughtful. No sink full of pots, no complicated steps, and definitely no sacrificing flavor. This is the kind of food that keeps everyone at the table just a little longer. Even the dog hangs around hoping something falls.

3) Ingredients for One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Olive Oil: Use two tablespoons to coat the pan and start building flavor with a soft sauté. It’s a small step but a big deal in taste.

Onion: One small, finely chopped. It melts down and adds a mellow sweetness that grounds the sharpness of the tomato.

Garlic: Four cloves, minced. If you’re using less, I’m not judging. But more? Let’s be friends.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just half a teaspoon to bring in a low hum of heat. You can skip it, but you’ll miss it.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Half a cup, chopped and drained. They’re chewy, tangy, and carry a sweet punch. Perfect contrast to the creamy sauce.

Pasta: Use 12 ounces of short pasta. Penne or rotini work well. Choose one with nooks and crannies so the sauce clings to every bite.

Chicken Broth: Pour in 4 cups. It cooks the pasta and adds body to the sauce without extra steps.

Heavy Cream: One cup. It makes everything smooth and pulls the dish together into a warm hug.

Parmesan Cheese: A half cup, grated. Stir it in near the end for salty depth and creamy pull.

Salt and Pepper: To taste. Start light, then adjust when the sauce comes together.

Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley, chopped for garnish. Adds freshness and a bit of color on top.

4) How to Make One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Warm the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. This should take about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let it cook just until the garlic blooms, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to coat them well.

Step 5: Pour in the dry pasta followed by the chicken broth. Stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered. Stir often so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.

Step 7: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced, stir in the cream and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Let it bubble for a few minutes more to thicken, then spoon it into bowls and sprinkle with herbs.

5) Tips for Making One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Use broth that tastes good on its own. Since it makes up the bulk of the liquid, poor broth equals flat flavor. Homemade is great, but store-bought works when it’s not loaded with additives.

Stir frequently as the pasta cooks. That’s the trick with one-pan pasta. The starch thickens the sauce, but it also sticks if you walk away. Don’t walk away.

Once the cream hits the pan, keep the heat low. It helps the sauce tighten up without breaking. And yes, fresh parmesan melts smoother than bagged.

6) Making One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Ahead of Time

You can cook this earlier in the day or even the day before. It reheats well, especially if you add a splash of broth or cream when warming it back up.

Don’t add the herbs until you’re ready to serve. They tend to wilt and lose their brightness if they sit too long in a warm dish.

If you want to stretch it for leftovers, consider tossing in shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped spinach before reheating. It bulks it up without messing with the flavor balance.

7) Storing Leftover One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll last four days comfortably.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to loosen up the sauce. Stir often if using a pan to keep it from sticking.

This dish is not freezer-friendly. The cream will split and the texture changes. Stick to eating it fresh or refrigerated.

8) Try these pasta & pizza recipes next!

9) One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta