Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach in a luxurious lemon-infused cream sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 582 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 582 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup diced red onion, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp lemon zest, and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti, 4 oz fresh spinach, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the skillet, and toss vigorously for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce evenly coats pasta.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; if needed, add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to adjust consistency until sauce clings to pasta.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 & Spinach Pasta with Lemon Zest 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.

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