Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta – Creamy 25-Minute Dinner

Welcome back to my kitchen! Today I'm sharing a pasta dish that's become a weeknight hero in my house: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach. It's the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for company but comes together in just 25 minutes, using mostly pantry staples.

I love how the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch that brightens the creamy sauce, while the spinach brings a pop of green and a boost of nutrients. This recipe is forgiving – you can swap in what you have – and it's sure to please even picky eaters.

So grab your biggest skillet, and let's get cooking! I'll walk you through every step, from toasting the garlic to tossing the pasta until it's perfectly coated.

About the Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

Any short pasta works. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite GF pasta.

2 tbsp olive oil

Use extra-virgin for best flavor. You can also use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is key. In a pinch, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

1/2 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

Look for the ones packed in oil for more flavor. If using dry, rehydrate in hot water first.

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk.

1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt. Homemade broth works great.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated melts smoother. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.

3 cups (90g) fresh spinach

Baby spinach is ideal. You can also use kale – just cook a few minutes longer.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Adds a gentle kick. Omit for a milder dish, or add more for extra heat.

Salt and black pepper to taste

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – it's a secret weapon to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Add the spinach in batches and stir until just wilted – it cooks quickly.
• If the sauce seems thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce. If it's too thick, splash in some pasta water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente (about 11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.

3. Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Melt the Cheese

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's wilted and bright green.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Delicious Variations

Add Grilled Chicken

Slice 2 cooked chicken breasts and toss in with the pasta for extra protein.

Make it Spicy

Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of cayenne.

Go Vegan

Use coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and a dairy-free butter substitute.

How to Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you love this creamy, tangy pasta as much as we do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below – what's your favorite add-in? Happy cooking!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach is a rich, tangy one-pan dinner ready in 25 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.

★★★★½ 4.8 (256 ratings)

10 minPrep time15 minCook time4Servings585 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente (about 11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. 2Sauté Aromatics — In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
3. 3Make the Sauce — Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. 4Melt the Cheese — Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. 5Wilt the Spinach — Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until it's wilted and bright green.
6. 6Combine Pasta and Sauce — Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
7. 7Serve and Enjoy — Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For an extra burst of flavor, try using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to sauté the garlic. It adds a subtle richness.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 585 kcal · 18g protein · 75g carbs · 24g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and urban gardening, focusing on practical tips for small spaces. She experiments with DIY projects and shares what works in her own apartment.