Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, bursting with the rich, sun-kissed flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. This Sun-Dried Tomato Artichoke Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will transport you straight to the coastal regions of Italy, without ever leaving your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and warm the ingredients.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of cheese and seasoning.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves for added aroma and color.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with additional Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add as desired.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining—it's liquid gold for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps ingredients cling together.
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts for the most authentic and vibrant flavor profile.
- Toast your garlic gently to release its aroma without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano and grating it right at the table.
- Fresh basil is crucial—tear the leaves, don't chop, to prevent bruising and preserve their delicate flavor.
- If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would complement this dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
