Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Elegant pasta with a rich tomato base, fresh spinach, and toasted pine nuts for a satisfying, one-pot dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, oil-packed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup, toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted. Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, tossing for 2 minutes until sauce clings. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 and Pine Nuts?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Pine Nuts?
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 and Pine Nuts 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.
What goes well with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Pine Nuts?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids ate two helpings.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for weeknights. My husband loved it.
- ★★★★☆
The pasta was perfect, but the sun-dried tomatoes made it a bit too salty. Adjusted with extra cream.
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