Tuscan-Inspired One-Pot Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A vibrant Italian-inspired one-pot pasta dish combining sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan for a speedy weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), fresh baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1/3 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and allow flavors to meld.