Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (Printable)
One pan pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Vegetables
01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked
02 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil, sliced
03 - 4 oz fresh baby spinach
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
05 - 3 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - ¼ cup reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes or olive oil
→ Cheese & Seasonings
08 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
10 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the reserved sun-dried tomato oil.
02 - Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Pour in the uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well, bringing to a gentle boil.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in heavy cream, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
06 - Add grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Remove from heat. Let the pasta rest 2 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan which means almost no cleanup afterward.
- The sauce creates itself as the pasta releases starch into the broth.
- It feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a tired Tuesday.
02 -
- Stir occasionally during simmering or the pasta will stick and create a gummy layer.
- The sauce thickens significantly as it rests so do not worry if it looks thin initially.
03 -
- Save every drop of that oil from the sun-dried tomato jar because it is pure concentrated flavor.
- Taste the sauce before adding salt since Parmesan and broth both bring sodium.