One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Penne

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-09 · Updated 2026-06-09

Tender penne pasta simmers in a creamy, tangy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for an easy, comforting meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 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 chopped, packed in oil sun-dried tomatoes
• 4 cups packed, roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-14 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup half-and-half. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.