One Pan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta (Printable)

Rich, creamy pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all cooked in one pan.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked
02 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and 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 sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil

→ Cheese & Seasonings

08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/4 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.
02 - Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Pour in uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring 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 liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in heavy cream, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
06 - Add grated Parmesan, stirring until sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Remove from heat. Let pasta rest for 2 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sauce clings to every noodle because of the pasta starch, no separate sauce making required
  • Clean up is literally one pan and a wooden spoon
  • Those sun-dried tomatoes add umami depth that makes it taste like it simmered for hours
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you remove it from heat, so do not let it get too dry while simmering
  • Reserving that sun-dried tomato oil is not optional, it is the backbone of the entire flavor profile
  • Wait until the very end to add salt since the broth, Parmesan, and tomatoes are all naturally salty
03 -
  • Use a pan that is deeper than you think you need, the pasta bubbles up quite a bit while simmering
  • If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done, splash in a little more broth or water

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