Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
6. Stir in fresh basil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or cheese.