Tomato Spinach Pasta

Featured in: Main Dishes

A quick vegetarian pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, a creamy garlic sauce, and parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes for a fuss-free meal.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:49:50 GMT
A bowl of pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and grated cheese on top. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and grated cheese on top. | twistytaste.com

Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes brings delicious flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. This simple yet impressive meal combines a velvety sauce with zesty sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It's an easy go-to when you want something tasty without spending ages in the kitchen - perfect for busy weeknights or having friends over.

An Impressive Home-Cooked Masterpiece

The first time I whipped this pasta up, I couldn't believe how good it was. There's something magical about how the zingy sun-dried tomatoes work with the smooth cream sauce. What's great is I usually have everything I need in my pantry already. It's my secret weapon for nights when I'm craving something fancy but don't want to slave away cooking for hours.

Your Ingredient List

  • Pasta: 12 ounces of your preferred pasta shape, cooked until just tender for the right bite.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons to start your sauce base.
  • Flour: 1 tablespoon to mix with butter for sauce thickness.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, chopped small for bold flavor.
  • White Wine: 1/2 cup dry variety like pinot grigio. You can swap in chicken stock if you prefer.
  • Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon to add subtle complexity.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon for a fresh, tangy kick.
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of this aromatic herb mix.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, cut into strips for bursts of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup for a luxurious sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly shredded for optimal melting.
  • Spinach: 2 cups fresh leaves to cut through the richness.
  • Salt & Pepper: Add to your liking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Get Your Pasta Ready
Cook 12 ounces pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Save some water before draining.
Start Your Sauce
In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon flour and minced garlic until you smell that lovely garlic aroma, about 1 minute.
Create Your Flavor Foundation
Pour in 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let bubble and reduce halfway, roughly 3 minutes.
Add The Creamy Elements
Pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream and mix in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, giving it an occasional stir until it starts getting thicker.
Bring It All Together
Sprinkle in 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan and drop in 2 cups spinach. Stir until spinach softens. Toss your drained pasta through the sauce until fully covered. Add salt and pepper to match your taste.

Tips For Success

After making this dish countless times, I've picked up a few handy tricks. Always save some of that starchy pasta water - it's a lifesaver if your sauce gets too thick. Trust me on grating fresh Parmesan yourself instead of using pre-grated stuff - it makes the sauce incredibly smooth. And don't think about skipping that tiny bit of Dijon - it might seem minor but it gives the whole dish an amazing flavor boost.

Storing Your Leftovers

This pasta tastes amazing right after you make it but don't worry if you have extras. They'll stay good in your fridge for a couple days. When you want to eat them again, just add a tiny splash of cream or even water and warm it up slowly on low heat. Give it a stir now and then so your sauce stays nice and creamy without splitting.

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with grated cheese and black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of rigatoni pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with grated cheese and black pepper. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which sun-dried tomatoes should I pick?
Both oil-packed and dry types work. Just drain the oil-packed ones before adding them to keep the dish balanced.
→ What can replace the wine?
For alcohol-free, swap the white wine with chicken broth to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
→ What's the pasta water for?
It helps loosen up the sauce without losing the creamy texture, so save some before draining!
→ Why al dente pasta?
Cooking pasta al dente keeps it firm and prevents it from becoming soggy when mixed with the sauce.
→ Can I use a different cream?
Heavy or whipping cream is ideal for the best texture. Avoid thinner creams as they might curdle when heated.

Tomato Spinach Pasta

This fast and tasty vegetarian pasta features sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and spinach in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Quick to make in under half an hour!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups tightly packed baby spinach.
02 ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
03 ¾ cup heavy cream or whipping cream.
04 ½ cup dried tomatoes.
05 ½ teaspoon Italian spice mix.
06 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
07 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard.
08 ½ cup white wine or chicken stock.
09 3 garlic cloves, finely crushed.
10 ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour.
11 2 tablespoons melted butter.
12 8 ounces uncooked pasta.
13 Salt and black pepper, as needed.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring water to a boil, salt it well, and cook pasta until it’s slightly firm to the bite.

Step 02

In a pan, melt the butter. Stir in garlic and flour, let it cook briefly.

Step 03

Mix in lemon juice, wine, mustard, and spices. Keep stirring until liquid halves in amount.

Step 04

Let the sauce simmer with cream and tomatoes for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cheese, stir until wilted.

Step 05

Toss the sauce with pasta. Use pasta water to thin if you need to. Check seasoning before serving warm.

Notes

  1. Drain the oil from packed tomatoes before using.
  2. Everything comes together fast, just 30 minutes.
  3. A perfect vegetarian comfort meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large pot for boiling.
  • A frying pan or skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy ingredients like cream, butter, and cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 519
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 14 g