Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

A quick, easy and delicious pasta, made easy with jarred sun dried tomatoes that are blended up with basil and Parmesan cheese. This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is in regular rotation here. It is quick, easy, economical and delicious! It’s also very adaptable to variations, for an always satisfying pasta dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. pasta, 225g
• 3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, but reserving oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 6-8 leaves basil, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, optional
• 2 teaspoons reserved sun dried tomato oil, or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 cup pasta boiling water, plus more as needed
• 1 cup half and half cream (10% b.f.), or 1/3-1/2 cup heavy, whipping cream
• 2-3 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2-3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste