Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Penne Pasta Recipe – Easy Italian

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this pasta. It’s become a total weeknight staple at my place! I first made it when I was craving something bright, flavorful, and easy – and honestly, it ticked all the boxes. This Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Penne Pasta is a little slice of Italian sunshine, packed with delicious veggies and a lovely, zesty flavor. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or even a casual get-together. You’ll absolutely love how simple it is to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a flavor explosion! The combination of sweet sun-dried tomatoes, slightly tangy artichoke hearts, and fragrant Italian seasoning is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. It’s also super versatile – I’ll share tons of ways to customize it later on.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 16 oz Penne Pasta
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 large cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• To taste Crushed Chili Flakes
• 1 large Onion
• 2 Bell Pepper
• ¼ cup Sun Dried Tomato in Oil
• ½ cup Artichoke Hearts in Oil
• 1 large Tomato
• To taste Salt
• To taste Lemon Juice
• Fresh Basil
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tbsp Toasted Pine nuts

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Olive Oil Varieties & Quality

I always recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It really shines in this dish. You can use a milder olive oil if you prefer, but a robust one adds a lovely depth of flavor. About 30ml should do the trick!

The Flavor of Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Oil-Packed vs. Dry-Packed

You’ll want to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. They’re much more flavorful and have a softer texture. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes before using.

Artichoke Hearts – Marinated vs. Water-Packed

Marinated artichoke hearts add an extra layer of flavor, but water-packed work just fine too! If using water-packed, you might want to add a little extra salt and lemon juice to brighten things up.

Italian Seasoning Blend – Making Your Own

Store-bought Italian seasoning is convenient, but making your own is even better! It’s usually a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Feel free to adjust the ratios to your liking.

Penne Pasta – Choosing the Right Shape

Penne pasta is perfect because the ridges hold the sauce beautifully. But honestly, you can use any short pasta shape you like – rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle would work well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, get your pasta going. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside.
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of crushed chili flakes. Stir for another 30 seconds to release those amazing aromas.
4. Add the sliced onion and cook for about a minute, until it starts to soften.
5. Crank up the heat to high and add the bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re slightly tender-crisp.
6. Season with salt, then add the sliced artichoke hearts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Give it a good mix.
7. Add the chopped tomato and cook for another minute, until it softens slightly.
8. Now, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together to combine.
9. Finally, drizzle with lemon juice and cook until the pasta is heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this pasta even better:

Achieving Al Dente Pasta Perfection

Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente means “to the tooth” – it should be firm to the bite.

Sautéing Garlic Without Burning

Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it. Lower the heat if needed and stir constantly.

Balancing Flavors – Salt, Lemon, and Spice

Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little lemon juice brightens everything up, and a pinch of chili flakes adds a nice kick.

Toasting Pine Nuts for Maximum Flavor

Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Skip the parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a delicious vegan pasta dish! You could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free penne pasta. There are some great options available now!

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Fiery

Adjust the amount of crushed chili flakes to control the heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a chopped Serrano pepper for a real kick!

One-Pan Pasta Variation

Add the pasta directly to the pan with the vegetables and enough water to cover it. Cook until the pasta is al dente, adding more water if needed.

Festival Adaptation – Italian Feast Addition

Serve this as part of a larger Italian feast with antipasto, salad, and tiramisu for dessert!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is great on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

Side Dish Pairings

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment. Garlic bread is always a good idea too!

Wine Pairing Recommendations

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti would pair beautifully with this pasta.

Appetizer Ideas to Complement the Pasta

Bruschetta or a Caprese salad would make a lovely starter.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftover Pasta

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze leftover pasta, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the pasta in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape will work well.

What can I substitute for artichoke hearts?

You could use roasted red peppers or even mushrooms.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine everything when you’re ready to cook the pasta.

Is it possible to make this pasta without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but it won’t have the same intense flavor. You could add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a similar depth of flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover toasted pine nuts?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from going rancid.