Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in Garlic Basil Cream Sauce – A Rich, Velvety, One-Pan Pasta You’ll Make Again and Again
Few things beat a warm bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, earthy mushrooms, fragrant basil, and the deep savory sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in Garlic Basil Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients, and tastes absolutely luxurious.
This dish is the perfect combination of richness and brightness: the cream sauce is silky and comforting, while the sun-dried tomatoes add tangy umami depth that cuts through the richness. Mushrooms bring their signature savory earthiness, garlic adds warmth, and fresh basil ties everything together with herbal freshness.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight pasta, a cozy weekend dinner, or a special dish for date night or guests, this creamy sun-dried tomato mushroom pasta checks every box. It’s elegant, bold, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Pasta Is So Good
1. Sun-Dried Tomatoes Add Huge Flavor
They’re concentrated, savory, slightly tangy, and deeply rich — perfect for creamy sauces.
2. Mushrooms Create Umami Depth
Sautéed until golden, they enhance the sauce’s complexity without needing meat.
3. Fresh Basil Brightens Every Bite
Creamy pasta can feel heavy — the basil keeps it fresh and balanced.
4. The Garlic Cream Sauce Is Next-Level
It’s silky, aromatic, and drenches every piece of pasta perfectly.
5. A True One-Pan (Plus Pasta Pot) Recipe
Minimal cleanup, but restaurant-quality flavor.
6. Customizable for any diet
Easy to add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or veggies… or make fully vegetarian.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, linguine, or fettuccine)
Vegetables
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained slightly)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped or ribboned
Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar or olive oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
- Spinach
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in Garlic Basil Cream Sauce
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat a skillet over medium and add butter + olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in garlic and chopped tomatoes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze With Broth
Pour in the broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Add Heavy Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Let it thicken slightly.
6. Add Parmesan & Seasonings
Stir in parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Taste and adjust salt.
7. Stir in Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
8. Add Fresh Basil
Fold in chopped fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
9. Serve
Top with extra parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Mushroom Pasta in Garlic Basil Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden.
- Add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Fold in fresh basil and serve warm with extra parmesan.
Notes
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
1. Don’t Overcook the Mushrooms
Let them brown deeply — that caramelization adds big flavor.
2. Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil
They’re softer, more flavorful, and add richness to the sauce.
3. Fresh Basil Only
Dried basil won’t work — it must be fresh.
4. Grate Your Own Parmesan
It melts better and creates a silkier sauce.
5. Add Pasta Water Slowly
Adds silkiness without thinning the sauce too much.
Delicious Variations
1. Add Protein
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- White beans
- Crispy tofu
2. Add More Vegetables
- Spinach
- Roasted red peppers
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
3. Make It Spicy
Add ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes.
4. Make It Lighter
Use half-and-half instead of cream (sauce will be thinner).
5. Make It Extra Creamy
Add a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone.
What to Serve With This Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Simple arugula salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Caprese salad
- Lemon herb chicken (if adding protein on the side)
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream separates)
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce
