Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in a Garlic Basil Cream Sauce

When it comes to comfort food that feels both indulgent and fresh, Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in a Garlic Basil Cream Sauce is the ultimate choice. With earthy mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic and basil, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

This pasta is perfect for vegetarians and can be customized with additional vegetables, proteins, or even gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, making each bite rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain. Set aside.
2. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and slightly caramelized.
3. Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the mushrooms, sautéing for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently, bringing it to a simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Season & Add Basil: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in fresh basil.
6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks

• Sun-Dried Tomato Choice: Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer, more flavorful sauce. Drain but reserve a little oil for sautéing for extra depth.
• Mushroom Variety: Cremini mushrooms are ideal for their earthy flavor, but shiitake or portobello can be used for a more robust taste.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then reheat together just before serving for quick weeknight dinners.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in a Garlic Basil Cream Sauce

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta or favorite pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups cremini mushrooms sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
• to taste salt and black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté 2 more minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in fresh basil.
6. Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor. Can substitute cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream.

Variations

• Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling dish.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Cheese Twist: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy variation.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Sun-dried tomatoes are a staple of Italian cuisine, known for their concentrated flavor. Combining them with mushrooms and fresh basil in a cream sauce brings a modern twist to classic Italian pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Whether you’re serving a romantic dinner, a family meal, or hosting friends, this Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in Garlic Basil Cream Sauce delivers elegance in every bite. Its creamy, garlicky richness makes it an instant favorite.