One Pan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta (Printable version)

Rich, creamy pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all made in one pan in just 30 minutes.

# List of ingredients:

→ 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 - ¼ cup reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes or olive oil

→ Cheese & Seasonings

08 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - ½ tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
10 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved sun-dried tomato oil and warm through.
02 - Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 - Pour in uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes if using, and fresh baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes longer until spinach wilts and sauce begins to thicken.
05 - Add grated Parmesan and stir continuously until melted and sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Remove from heat and let pasta rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow sauce to reach optimal consistency.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to each noodle instead of pooling at the bottom of your bowl
  • Only one pan to wash means more time on the couch, less time at the sink
  • Sun-dried tomatoes pack such an intense punch that a little goes a long way
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it rests, so don't worry if it looks slightly soupy when you first add the cream
  • Stir more frequently toward the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan
03 -
  • Save some pasta water before adding the cream—it's insurance if your sauce needs thinning later
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre-grated for smoother melting and better flavor

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