3/4cupsun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, but reserving oil
1/2cupParmesan cheese, shredded
6-8leavesbasil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1Tablespoontomato paste, optional
2teaspoonsreserved sun dried tomato oil, or olive oil
2clovesgarlic, finely chopped
Pinchred pepper flakes, optional
1cuppasta boiling water, plus more as needed
1cuphalf and half cream (10% b.f.), or 1/3-1/2 cup heavy, whipping cream
2-3Tablespoonsfresh basil, chopped
2-3TablespoonsParmesan cheese, shredded
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
To serve:
Additional fresh basil leaves, chopped
Additional Parmesan cheese, shredded
Red pepper flakes, optional
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Instructions
Cook pasta in a large pot of well salted boiling water until al dente. DO NOT DRAIN before reserving about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water.
While pasta is cooking, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil leaves and tomato paste to a food processor. Process until the mixture is broken down into a mixture of small chunks.
In a skillet, heat a teaspoon or two of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. *You can refrigerate any remaining sun-dried tomato oil and use for other purposes, as well. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, if using and cook 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown. Add processed sun-dried tomato mixture and stir together with the garlic. Turn off heat under skillet until pasta is ready.
When pasta is ready, scoop out about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain pasta and transfer pasta to skillet with sun-dried tomato mixture. Add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and cook over medium heat until the sun-dried tomato mixture has loosened well. Add a bit more pasta cooking water, if needed. Add the cream and stir in. Cook to warm through. Add the basil and Parmesan cheese, along with some salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately garnished with additional fresh basil and shredded Parmesan.
Notes
You'll find more tips on making this recipe above this Recipe Card, along with step-by-step photos that you might find useful.