Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

why make this recipe

This pasta is simple, fast, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes give a rich taste without much work. It makes a good weeknight meal or a nice dish for guests. If you like other easy pasta dishes, try Cajun shrimp pasta for a spicy option.

introduction

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta mixes a smooth cream sauce with bright tomato bites and fresh spinach. It uses few ingredients and cooks in about 20–30 minutes. The result is comforting and fresh.

how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Follow the steps below to make the pasta. Keep things ready before you start so the sauce comes together fast. For another simple pasta idea that fits weeknights, see this Cajun shrimp pasta.

Ingredients :

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if oil-packed
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions :

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the sauce: Whisk in the white wine (or broth), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 3 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes and cream: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to bubble gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate the cheese and spinach: Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.

how to serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Serve hot in bowls. Add extra grated parmesan on top. A green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein.

how to store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
• If you don’t have wine, use chicken broth instead.
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes small so they mix well.
• Warm the cream slightly before adding to avoid cooling the sauce too much.
• For a different flavor, try a tried-and-true weeknight recipe like Cajun shrimp pasta for variety.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Stir in fresh basil at the end for a fresh herb note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
A: Yes. Drain them well before using. Save a little oil for flavor if you like.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream and vegan parmesan. You may need a bit more thickener like cornstarch.

Q: How do I stop the spinach from getting soggy?
A: Add spinach near the end and just wilt it. Do not overcook.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Freezing cream sauces can change texture. It is better to store in the fridge and eat within 3 days.

Conclusion

For a quick and tasty dinner idea, try this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta and see how simple ingredients make a big flavor. For another quick version and extra tips, check out this detailed recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (20-Minute Recipe).

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

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• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and flavorful pasta dish with a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for quick weeknight meals or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if oil-packed
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in the white wine (or broth), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to bubble gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top.

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. Warm the cream before adding to avoid cooling the sauce. Can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Creamy Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Quick Dinner, Italian Recipe, Weeknight Meal