Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta casserole with a rich tomato-herb sauce, melted cheese, and fresh spinach, baked to golden perfection. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth, then bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until melted.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained penne and 3 cups spinach to the sauce, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Baked Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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