Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo

Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo packed with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spices? Yes, please! This Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce is bound to impress!

Creamy, Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo smothered in a flavor bursting velvety sauce with a fraction of the calories, and on your table in 20 minutes!  A delectable, customizable go-to dinner!

Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo on a fork.


 

Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe

One of my favorite comfort foods in the world is creamy pasta.  No vegetables, no chicken, no meat — just pasta so I can shovel the trail of silky noodles into my mouth at lightening speed, like my Million Dollar Mac and Cheese and Lightened up Fettuccine Alfredo.

Enter: comfortlicious Lightened Up Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo!  Don’t get me wrong, you can totally add vegetables and chicken, shrimp, etc., there are a zillion variations to customize this pasta just the way you like it — that’s part of its charm — but the star is the luscious sauce. Lightened up luscious sauce.  The simple sauce is made with pantry-friendly ingredients and is one of those dinners you can just throw together last minute but is so crave worthy you will be craving it for days, weeks months.

I was craving this creamy sun-dried tomato goodness so badly last week that I whipped it up on Saturday, which was a bonus so Patrick could actually eat it fresh (as opposed to 99% of the time, I cook and photograph during the day so Patrick hardly ever gets straight-off-the-stove-food).  But as the velvety pasta glided down his throat, my lived-in-Italy-for-2-years pasta critic couldn’t stop gushing its praises. And it took me less than 20 minutes.  And it’s lightened up!

A bowl of Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo with basil on top.

Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Pasta Ingredients

Think homemade fettuccine alfredo is a pain to make? Think again! It’s actually one of the easiest pasta dishes to make from scratch, and it requires ingredients you may have on hand already:

  • Fettuccine noodles: I used fettuccine, but any long pasta will work.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Buy the kind packed in oil.
  • Garlic: I used 4 cloves because I LOVE garlic.
  • Herbs and spices: The sun-dried tomato alfredo sauce is flavored with red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, parsley, and more!
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
  • Chicken broth: Packs in lots of flavor. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the amount of salt in the dish.
  • Milk: Use whole milk or 2% milk for best results.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce without adding extra fat.
  • Tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor.
  • Cream cheese: I used ⅓ less fat cream cheese to make the sun-dried tomato fettuccine alfredo sauce.
  • Cheese: I used a blend of freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Pasta

The base of the flavorful sauce is sauteed sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and a dash of red pepper flakes.  The aroma alone will make you drool.

Showing how to make Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo by cooing sun dried tomatoes with garlic.

Sprinkle in some flour, whisk in some chicken broth and milk and the perfect rainbow of Italian spices, then stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese…

Showing how to make Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo by adding cheese to the sauce.

And finally bathe your fettuccine in the creamy comforting goodness…

And prepare for your eyes to roll back in your head as you slurp the velvety noodles.

And prepare to crave this Lightened Up Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo long after your last twirled forkful.

Hello, comfortlicoius…

Adding pasta to the Sun-dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce.

Tips for Making Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce

  • Purchase sun-dried tomatoes packed in OIL not dry packaged ones.
  • Use more or less sun-dried tomatoes depending on desired taste.
  • Rinse tomatoes very well so your pasta isn’t oily. You can chop your sun-dried tomatoes smaller instead of strips if you prefer.
  • If you don’t have enough sun dried tomato olive oil when called for, then use regular olive oil.

Recipe Variations to Try

  • Add protein. This healthy fettuccine alfredo is a great base for chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp.
  • Add artichokes.  Artichokes are tender, slightly sweet and nutty and divine paired with tomatoes. Purchase artichoke hearts in water NOT marinated. The marinated ones often have an acrid taste.
  • Make it gluten-free. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour in the sauce.
Showing A bowl of Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo being served from a pan.

CAN I PREP SUN DRIED TOMATO Alfredo Pasta IN ADVANCE? 

You can make the homemade fettuccine alfredo 100% ahead of time and gently warm (see instructions), or prepare elements in advance so it can come together super quickly at dinner time.  That being said, it already is a super quick meal!  If you know you are reheating, take extra care that your pasta is al dente.

To prep ahead:

  • Pasta: cook the pasta al dente, drain with cool water and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent it from sticking together.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Aromatics:  mince the garlic, chop the tomatoes.
  • Cheese: grate the Parmesan.

HOW TO STORE Fettuccine Alfredo

Sun dried tomato fettuccine alfredo should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  When properly stored, it is good for up to five days.

HOW TO REHEAT Fettuccine Alfredo

This healthy fettuccine alfredo reheats well so you can enjoy leftovers for days!  Just be aware you always want to make sure your pasta is cooked al dente, especially if you are going to be reheating. 

  • Microwave:   Microwave for one minute, stir, then continue to heat at 30 second intervals until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to add some creaminess back.
  • Stove:  For larger portions, reheat pasta on the stove.  You may need to add a splash of milk to thin the sauce as it will have thickened in the refrigerator. 

CAN I FREEZE SUN DRIED TOMATO Alfredo Pasta?

I do not recommend freezing this pasta because the creamy sauce can break and become a funny texture.

A pan of Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo with basil on top.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo

Close up of a bowl of Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo with basil on top.

Looking for more easy pasta recipes?

20 Minute Creamy, Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo smothered in a flavorful velvety sauce with a fraction of the calories! A great go-to dinner and totally customizable with chicken veggies, etc.

Lightened Up Sundried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo

Servings: 6
Total Time: 17 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz fettuccine noodles
  • 2 tablespoons oil from sundried tomatoes in oil jar
  • 1/2 cup sundried tomato halves , drained and finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (I use lowfat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp EACH dried basil, dried parsley, onion pwdr, salt
  • 1/4 tsp EACH dried oregano, pepper
  • 2 oz. ⅓ less fat cream cheese, cubed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella

Garnish (optional)

  • freshly grated Parmesan
  • fresh basil

Instructions

  • Cook fettuccine in salted water according to package directions. Strain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons sundried tomato oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add sundried tomatoes, garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for one minute. Sprinkle in flour and continue to cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Turn heat to low and stir in chicken broth. Whisk cornstarch with milk and add to pan along with tomato paste, basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and continue to cook and stir until sauce is thickened (but not overly thick), approximately 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted, followed by Parmesan cheese until melted. Keep heat on low until fettuccine is done cooking, then stir in mozzarella cheese until melted then fettuccine until evenly coated.
  • Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, and fresh basil if desired (optional).

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24 Comments

    • Jen says

      Thanks Julie! If you love Sun Dried Tomatoes then I think you will LOVE this!!

  1. Dorothy Dunton says

    Hi Jen! This sounds wonderful! Nagi introduced me to sun dried tomatoes a while ago and I’m hooked! 🙂

  2. Jay @ IndustryEats says

    Hi Jen!

    Now this is something I can get into. I LOVE fettuccine. Add sundried tomatoes to it and I’m good to go. I also like the sauce in this recipe. I’ve still got some nice Parmesan left over from your Spinach Dip & French Bread recipe, so I may give this a go.

    Thanks!

    Jay

    • Jen says

      Hi Jay! If you still have Parmesan left, then this is just begging for you to make it – I don’t think you will be disappointed 🙂

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Susan! I hope you can try it soon 🙂

  3. Teri Giese says

    Hi Jen!! Have NOT had a chance to reply on your blog in ages! Get so many and having been on Pinterest a few months now, working on that too. Most bloggers do not even reply back anyway. You always do, and makes me more apt to try and give thanks for your recipes and work!! Coincidentally, went to the store with the hubs(I rarely do), and picked up some sun dried tomatoes.Sowill absolutely be making this recipe soon! Thanks again!

    • Jen says

      Hi Teri, it is so good to hear from you and I totally understand recipe/pinterest overload! I am excited for you to try this recipe soon – it is super quick and easy, I hope you love it!

  4. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    Love all of the delicious ingredients — especially the sun dried tomatoes. I also love roasted grape tomatoes — the flavor becomes so intense!! This is one recipe I’m making this weekend.

    • Jen says

      So happy to help you use up your sun-dried tomatoes 🙂 I hope you love this pasta! Thanks Lisa!

  5. Lori says

    This is my new favorite go to pasta! Its so creamy, the flavor is incredible and my whole family loves it! I often add spinach or whatever veggies I have on hand. I highly recommend this recipe!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for the recommendation Lori and the ultimate compliment of being your new “go-to” pasta! I love that is customizable too!

  6. Robin Garrett says

    This was so good!!! Hubby was skeptical, but he devoured it. Thanks for a new go-to recipe,

    • Jen says

      Awesome Robin! So happy it was delicious enough to beat his skepticism! Thank you!!

  7. Rachel says

    So what would happen if I used half & half instead of milk? Wondering perhaps if I needed to omit anything or add less because of it.
    It looks super delicious though, and I have every intention of making it today! Thanks for posting it!

    • Jen says

      Hi Rachel, half and half would be delicious! I would use just 1 teaspoon cornstarch instead of 1 tablespoon Hope that helps!

  8. Jakalyn says

    Hello Jen,
    I’m making this for the 3rd time! The sun-dried tomatoes really make this and the sauce is wonderful. Another great recipe that husband loves!!! Adding roasted shrimp this time. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Best, Jakalyn

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Jakalyn, I’m so pleased it’s a repeat favorite! And I love your addition of shrimp-yum! (PS I’m so sorry for the late response, my site was being transitioned so everything was frozen!)

  9. Marisa says

    Oh my Deliciousness….this was so good!! Will definitely make it again!!

    • Jen says

      Awesome Marisa, thank you! I’m so pleased it was a hit!

  10. Kimberly says

    This was so good! Took me a little bit longer to make than I expected, so next time I will try to do a better job of prepping the ingredients. I used 1 cup ff milk and 1/2 cup half n half. This will definitely be on rotation in our house!

    • Jen says

      Yay, I’m so glad that it was a hit!