Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olive And Basil Sauce
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, olives, basil, and Brie, perfect for a flavorful, quick, and elegant meal for entertaining or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, cut into slivers lengthwise (oil packed) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil, drained from sun-dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup Calamata olives or other imported olives, pitted and halved ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh, loosely packed basil leaves, cut into slivers
- 1/2 cup grated lemon zest ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Brie cheese, rind removed and coarsely shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. penne or linguine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sun-dried tomatoes, drained oil, olives, basil, lemon zest, garlic, black pepper, Brie, and olive oil in a large serving bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 4 hours.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Immediately toss the hot pasta with the prepared sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can add a touch of cream or crumbled feta cheese. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste, and feel free to substitute the Brie with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using less black pepper or omitting it altogether. The dish can also be made ahead of time for easier meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olive And Basil Sauce pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. A chilled glass of white wine complements the dish perfectly. For a Mediterranean twist, try serving it with sides like Easy Skillet Eggplant or New Potatoes With Basil Cream Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olive And Basil Sauce contains roughly 1144 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne or linguine with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. The sauce will work well with any shape, so feel free to experiment!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, as it features sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and basil. If you want to make it vegan, simply omit the Brie cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The flavors of the sauce will still shine through!
What can I serve with this sauce?
Consider pairing this dish with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. For a heartier option, serve it with roasted chicken or fish. It also works well with other Mediterranean recipes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).