Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic in a light lemon-herb cream sauce, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 28 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until garlic is golden and tomatoes soften. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
  3. Step 3: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, and 2 tbsp chopped basil. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens. Add drained penne and 3 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until pasta is evenly coated. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan and cook for 1 more minute until cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Primavera?

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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Primavera?

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 Primavera 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Primavera 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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