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This Creamy Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is the perfect weeknight comfort dish—warm, garlicky, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch, spinach brings freshness, and the creamy Parmesan sauce ties it all together. It’s vegetarian, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
🍳 Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (preferably oil-packed, drained)
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon zest or juice for brightness
🧄 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Long or short shapes both work—use what you love.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed ones are best; if using dry, rehydrate them in hot water.
- Cream: Use heavy cream for richness; sub with half & half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free.
- Cheese: Parmesan adds salt and umami; Pecorino Romano also works.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 1–2 minutes to soften.
3. Add Spinach and Cream
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.
- Optional: Stir in lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Serve
Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, or fresh basil if desired.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
💡 Tips & Variations
🔪 Tips
- Make it saucier: Add more cream or a splash of milk if you prefer extra sauce.
- Don’t overcook spinach: Add it last to preserve color and nutrients.
- Save that pasta water! It helps emulsify the sauce and keep it silky.
🍴 Variations
- Add protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- Vegan version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream, and vegan Parmesan.
- Extra veg: Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in cream cheese or a bit of mozzarella for added creaminess.
