Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pasta with Toasted Almonds

If your love for pasta knows no bounds, this recipe is for you. Al dente spaghetti meets a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and fresh basil, creating a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and classically comforting. Juicy grape tomatoes add a burst of freshness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan and crunchy toasted almonds takes it over the top.

This quick and easy pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

1 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce BasilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Grape TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Sun-Dried TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sliced AlmondsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved grape tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
4. Stir in veggie stock concentrate, cream cheese, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Whisk until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
6. Remove from heat. Fold in torn basil leaves. Serve topped with grated Parmesan and toasted almonds.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large pot

IMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on Amazon

Large skillet

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle -Aluminum, 6 Quart, BlueView on AmazonTramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef's Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Measuring spoons

Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsView on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonSpring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set with Strong N45 Magnets, Heavy Duty Metal Kitchen Gadgets for Baking & Cooking, Fits in Most Kitchen Spice Jars, Set of 8 with Leveler, BlackView on Amazon

Tongs or pasta fork

HEBEILF Upgraded Silicone Spaghetti Spoon and Pasta Tong Set – Sturdy Pasta Fork with Teeth, Noodle Spoon Server, and Multi-Purpose Tongs for Cooking and ServingView on AmazonSpaghetti Spoon and Pasta Tong, Non-stick Silicone Spoon Server Fork with teeth and Stainless Steel Handle Spaghetti Tong, Food Clip for Spaghetti Noodle (BLACK)View on AmazonPleafind Spaghetti Spoon and Spaghetti Tong 2-Piece Set, 13-Inch Non-Stick Spaghetti Fork and 11.4-Inch Kitchen Tong, Easy Storage and Cleanup, Ergonomic Design, Stainless SteelView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. To make it vegan, omit Parmesan and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.