Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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

A sun-drenched pasta dish featuring tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a garlicky olive oil sauce. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs whole wheat spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 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 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and release juice.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to coat pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in fresh spinach until wilted (about 1 minute). Season with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Divide into bowls, top with fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 with Cherry 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 whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Cherry 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Cherry 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 Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Cherry 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.

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