Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta
Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a wholesome touch to your table. With the nutty goodness of whole wheat linguine, combined with the sweet and tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, every bite is a celebration of vibrant, comforting ingredients. The creaminess of almond milk harmonizes with the rich olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, making it a satisfying meal that you’ll want to revisit time and again.
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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I craved something hearty yet quick to prepare. Balancing my desire for comfort food with a need for a healthier option led me to create this one-pot wonder. Whipping it up in just 35 minutes with minimal fuss felt like a magical moment in the kitchen. This dish isn’t just simple; it’s a joyous experience that turns an ordinary day into something special. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, this pasta dish is perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates a heavenly aroma and taste.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the dish make it a stunning centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: This pasta is great for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy date night in.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With almond milk, it can easily be adjusted for dairy-free or vegan needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic: For a fragrant, aromatic foundation in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness that brightens the entire dish.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: A key ingredient that contributes to the creaminess of the sauce.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (and drained from olive oil): These provide a burst of flavor, adding depth to the pasta.
- 3 tablespoons almond milk: Used to create a silky texture, this is a great dairy alternative.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper: For a hint of spice that complements the meal beautifully.
- 8 oz. whole wheat linguine: The star of the dish, offering a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions until they’re perfectly translucent.
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil is a must for its fragrance and bright flavor.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (and drained from olive oil): This second inclusion deepens the flavor profile.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste (optional): This adds a rich, savory note if you desire a little extra decadence.
How to Make Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta

- Cook the linguine: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook 8 oz. whole wheat linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine ½ tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ⅓ cup olive oil, ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 3 tablespoons almond milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper. Blend until smooth, and feel free to adjust the texture with a splash more almond milk or olive oil if it feels thick.
- Sauté the onion: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced ½ yellow onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine and the prepared sauce to the saucepan. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly in the sauce.
- Add basil and sun-dried tomatoes: Gently fold in ½ cup chopped fresh basil and the second ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes until evenly distributed.
- Finish with toppings: Drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with fresh black pepper, and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your deliciously wholesome meal!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, refrigerate the pasta for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave on medium settings or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, so consider refreshing it with a splash of olive oil before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta by checking it a minute early for the perfect al dente texture.
- Feel free to vary the herbs! Oregano or thyme can be a delightful alternative to basil.
- If you like more heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, increase the almond milk or oil just before serving.
- Make a double batch of the sauce to have on hand for another quick meal.
- Leftover sun-dried tomatoes can add a punch of flavor to salads or sandwiches.
Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta is a wholesome dish that appeals to both the health-conscious and the culinary enthusiast. With its vibrant flavors and warm, inviting aroma, it transforms a simple plate of pasta into something special. Engage your love for cooking by tweaking the recipe to fit your personal taste, whether it’s adding more vegetables or trying out different types of herbs.
Enjoy this pasta dish as a comforting dinner option, or serve it at your next gathering as a delightful crowd-pleaser. With so many layers of flavor, it offers something for everyone. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole wheat linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can differ.
How can I add protein to the recipe?
For added protein, consider diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can! Fresh tomatoes will provide a different flavor profile, but they will still be delicious. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions.
How do I adjust the recipe for a larger group?
This recipe is easily scalable. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, keeping an eye on cooking times for pasta and sauce to ensure everything heats evenly.
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Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Pasta Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta marries irresistible flavors with quick prep. Perfect for a healthy, homemade meal packed with goodness!
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup olive oil*
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (and drained from olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 oz. whole wheat linguine
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (and drained from olive oil)
- freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Blend all sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. Adjust thickness with almond milk or olive oil if needed.
- Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium/high heat. Sauté sliced onion until translucent.
- Combine pasta and sauce in the saucepan, mixing well.
- Stir in fresh basil and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix again to combine.
- Serve topped with balsamic vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, and optional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a more flavorful sauce, let it sit for a few minutes before mixing with pasta.
Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for additional nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
