Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach
A velvety pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic, ready in 20 minutes for a comforting weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, heavy cream, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes release oil. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Toss drained penne into the sauce with 3 cups fresh spinach, stirring until spinach wilts (about 1 minute). Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta. Add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time if too thick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with 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 Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
