One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A quick, creamy one-pot pasta dish loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to release their flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and 12 oz penne pasta, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens to coat the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 One-Pot Creamy Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy homeschool days—cooked in 20 minutes and the spinach added such a nice color.
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes was a game-changer for picky eaters.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor but the pasta absorbed too much liquid; next time I'll add a splash more broth.
