Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Wholesome Recipes

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta With Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce because it combines elegance with comfort in the kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce envelops the pasta in a delicious blend of flavors, making every bite a delight. The sun-dried tomatoes add a hint of sweetness, while the garlic and herbs elevate the dish further. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, and I can't get enough of how easy it is to prepare while still impressing everyone at the table.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-28T06:21:34.973Z

As someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, I found that the key to this recipe lies in the quality of the sun-dried tomatoes. I opted for the oil-packed ones, which not only infused the sauce with richness but also added additional depth. The first time I made this dish, I was blown away by the combination of creamy textures and the burst of flavors. I even added a touch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat!

One tip I've learned is to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining. Adding it gradually to the sauce helps achieve the perfect consistency while ensuring the pasta adheres to the sauce beautifully. It truly transforms a simple dish into something extraordinary!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Luxuriously creamy sauce laden with sun-dried tomatoes
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Elegantly presented yet comfortingly familiar

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this recipe, and using heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to each bow tie pasta piece. If you want to lighten it up, consider substituting half-and-half for part of the cream, which will still provide a rich flavor without being overly heavy. Just keep in mind that using less fat can alter the final consistency, so you might need to adjust the reserved pasta water accordingly.

When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, watch closely to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce. Cooking it until it’s just fragrant, about one minute, before adding the sun-dried tomatoes will maximize the garlic's flavor. Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes not only enhances the taste but also allows you to omit the olive oil from the recipe if you prefer—a nice little swap!

Tips for Tossing and Serving

When tossing the pasta with the sauce, ensure the heat is low to prevent the cream from breaking and becoming curdled. Use tongs or a pasta fork to gently mix the pasta and sauce, effectively ensuring an even coating. If you notice that the sauce starts to separate, simply add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to bring it back together—this also adds more depth to the dish.

Presentation can elevate this dish for special occasions. Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the pasta before serving. Not only does this enhance visual appeal, but it also adds a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your delicious pasta creation:

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure everything is prepped before starting!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Combine

Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and dried basil to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and mix until smooth. If the sauce seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

Toss the Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Now you can sit back and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the sauce. They won't just enhance the taste but also boost the nutritional value!

Ingredient Variations

Basil can be swapped out for other fresh herbs if desired. Try using fresh parsley or a dash of thyme to give the dish an entirely new flavor profile. Additionally, you can elevate the umami experience by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce, which pairs well with the overall creaminess and adds nutritional value.

If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to maintain the same creamy consistency. Nutritional yeast also works well as a flavorful substitute, offering a cheesy flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over medium-low heat, adding a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up if necessary.

To freeze, allow the pasta and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container. The dish can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring often to ensure even warming without curdling the cream.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute bow tie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

→ Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.