Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy, vibrant pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, finished with a hint of garlic and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 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 pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 oz fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes), stirring constantly.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 3 minutes).
  6. Step 6: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of sun-dried tomato pieces.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta?

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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta?

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.

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