One Pan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta (Printable)

Rich, creamy pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all made in one pan for easy cleanup.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked
02 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil, sliced
03 - 4 oz fresh baby spinach
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 3 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/4 cup reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes or olive oil

→ Cheese & Seasonings

08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
10 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the reserved sun-dried tomato oil.
02 - Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Pour in the uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well, bringing to a gentle boil.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in heavy cream, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
06 - Add grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Remove from heat. Let the pasta rest 2 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every noodle without any fancy technique
  • Clean up takes literally five minutes since everything happens in one pan
  • It looks and tastes like a restaurant dish but comes together on a Tuesday night
02 -
  • The sauce keeps thickening after you remove it from heat, so dont panic if it looks slightly thin at first
  • Reserve that tomato oil even if it seems like too much, it's crucial for flavor
  • If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before its done, add a splash more broth
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre-grated, it melts so much better
  • Keep some extra broth nearby in case the pasta gets too thirsty while cooking

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