My Go-To Pasta

I got home pretty late from work tonight, so I wanted to make something quick, easy, warm, and satisfying. I've made this pasta dish a few times now and it just comes out so well every time. The best thing about this is it takes about 30 minutes total so it can be thrown together fast, but it doesn't taste thrown together. My husband really likes this pasta and he's always pleased when I make it.

If you don't like sun-dried tomatoes you might want to stop reading now. The taste of this pasta dish screams sun-dried tomatoes! It's definitely not overpowering, there is just no question what the main ingredient is. 

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta 

Serves 2 generously as a main

1 small onion, diced

2 teaspoons butter

5oz drained sun dried tomatoes*

6 large black olives, pitted

2 large garlic cloves, peeled

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup vegetable stock

3 tablespoons cream

handful fresh basil, chopped

1/2 lb spiral pasta, cooked al dente and drained

*I can't find sun-dried tomatoes in oil in my local grocery store (I know, I know) so I just use the dried tomatoes. If you can find them in oil, you can use these (drained) and use a little less olive oil.

Throw the tomatoes, olives, garlic and olive oil into a food processor.

Pulse until everything is chopped and thoroughly combined. I like to keep the mixture relatively chunky. Set the mixture aside.

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomato mixture to the pan and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the vegetable stock and stir. Bring to a boil and then turn down to medium-low. Simmer until the liquid has reduced and the sauce becomes thick, 10-15 minutes. 

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta until al dente.

Once the sauce becomes thick, add the cream and mix. Cook until thickened, 3-5 minutes. Taste if the sauce needs salt and pepper at this point. Be careful here, because the tomatoes and olives are naturally salty.

Add the pasta to the pan and mix thoroughly to combine.

Throw in the basil and stir to combine. Taste one more time for seasoning.

Pile into a dish and dive in! You can also add a little bit of grated Parmesan to finish the dish.

This recipe couldn't be easier or more tasty. Give it a try for a pasta fix at the end of a busy day.

Happy Eating!