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Cooking dinner has been very low on my list of priorities these past few weeks—and when it starts to feel more like a chore than a joy, I know it’s time to shake things up with simple yet tangy flavors that make even an ordinary Wednesday feel like a special night. Add this sun-dried tomato caper pasta.
As someone who prioritizes protein A LOT in their daily routine, sometimes the only way out of trouble is to eat something that doesn’t focus on my daily protein goal. Call it a girls’ dinner or whatever you like—this recipe takes spaghetti to a whole new level.
Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
The ingredient list is simple, but everything pulls its weight—adding flavor and balance that’s 100% addictive.
Pasta. I prefer spaghetti or bucatini, but use whatever shape you like.
Sun-dried tomatoes. Dip them in oil—you’ll use both tomatoes and oil for extra flavor.
Shallots. Thinly sliced for a little sweetness.
Tomato paste. Umami- full of subtle sweetness that deepens the sauce.
Garlic. Measure with your heart.
Capers. Roughly chopped, they add a delicious, hearty punch that makes this recipe.
Heavy cream. It balances everything with richness and fat. Pour in any plant milk if needed.
Parmesan. A little pinch of salt and cheesy goodness.
Basil. Finish with a new one.
A Few Tips and Tricks
Although this pasta recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few things that will help ensure the best results.
- For the best flavor of your tomato paste, cook it with the shallots until they darken slightly. This really caramelizes the flavor and takes away a bit of that raw tomato flavor.
- Keep your cream out while you prepare everything, and reduce the heat before adding it to the pan. Heavy cream can curdle if you add it cold to a hot pan, so letting it come to room temperature and turning the heat down helps ensure a smooth sauce.
- Save your pasta water. The pasta water will also help the sauce to come together and stick to the pasta noodles, so don’t drain your pasta without saving a little water.
Giving Suggestions
This is the type of pasta that goes as well with a table full of plates as it does on its own. If you’re looking to make this dish into a full meal, here are a few of my favorites to serve it with.
Broccoli Caesar Salad: Another all-time favorite, the tangy dressing pairs well with this nutritious pasta.
This Green Salad with Sesame Dressing is light and bright, and it’s the perfect dinner companion for any pasta night.
For a salad with a little vegetable protein, this Halloumi Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish.
Explanation
This easy pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- 2 servings pasta of your choice
- 2 – 3 tbsp oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- 5 – 6 sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 heaping tbsp capers, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan
- basil to serve
- Prepare the pasta according to the box instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
- In a large stovetop pan, add the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes and bring to medium heat. Add the shallot with a large pinch of salt and cook for two minutes until they begin to soften. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cook, stirring occasionally until the color starts to darken. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and capers, and stir to combine. Cook for another minute to combine all the flavors, then lower the heat. Add the cream and parmesan to the pan and stir until smooth.
- Add the pasta with a splash of pasta water to the pan and stir to combine until the sauce is smooth.
- Serve warm and top with basil. Enjoy!
- Preparation Time: 15
- Cooking Time: 15
- Category: pasta
Keywords: sun dried tomatoes, caper, pasta
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