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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is your answer! I’ll guide you through a simple recipe that uses pantry staples and fresh flavors to create a delightful dish in no time. With easy steps and helpful tips, you’ll discover how to make this pasta creamy and packed with taste. Let’s dive into the details and get started on dinner tonight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This one-pan dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a delicious depth of flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 20 minutes, this pasta dish is both satisfying and time-efficient.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
– Salt to taste
– Pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Gather these ingredients to make your One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a rich flavor. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Heavy cream brings a smooth texture. Use fresh spinach for a healthy touch. Grated Parmesan adds a savory finish, while herbs enhance the taste.
This dish is quick and easy. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen. If you want to impress, add some fresh basil on top. It not only looks great but tastes fresh. Enjoy this simple yet tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
Start by gathering your ingredients. You need sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. In a large skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Heat the pan on medium. Sauté for about 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown.
Cooking the Pasta
Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer. Once it bubbles, add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Cover the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it now and then. This helps the pasta cook evenly. When done, the pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid should be gone.
Finishing Touches
Now, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir in the chopped spinach. Mix everything well until the spinach wilts. Then, add the grated Parmesan and dried Italian herbs. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for a minute to thicken.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Creaminess
To make your pasta creamy, use heavy cream. It blends well with the broth and cheese. Add it after your pasta is cooked. Stir well to mix it with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This gives your dish a rich taste. If you want more creaminess, add extra cheese. Parmesan melts nicely into the sauce, making it thicker and smoother.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost the taste, use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes. The oil adds flavor too. Don’t skip the garlic; it brings a nice aroma. Dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil add depth. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. They give a bit of heat and make the dish more exciting.
Cooking Time Adjustments
Cooking time can vary based on the pasta type. For penne, cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. If you use a thicker pasta, add a few more minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps everything moist and delicious.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your pasta dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a plant-based cream alternative.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Perfectly Al Dente: Be sure to taste your pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Variations
Protein Additions
You can easily boost the protein in this dish. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage work well. Just add them when you mix in the heavy cream. If you want a meatless option, try adding chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and a nice texture.
Vegetable Substitutes
Feel free to swap out the spinach for other veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli are great choices. Just chop them small so they cook fast. Add them when you cook the pasta for the best results. This keeps the dish colorful and healthy.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste good. You can find them in most stores. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you can enjoy it just as much!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
Store your One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply take the pasta out of the fridge. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat it for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or cream. Heat over medium until warm, stirring often. This keeps the pasta moist.
Freezing Guidelines
To freeze, pack the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne and fusilli work well here. You can try spaghetti, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking time if needed. Each shape gives a unique texture. It’s fun to experiment and find your favorite!
Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead. For cheese, try a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish creamy and tasty.
How can I make it more flavorful?
To boost flavor, add more herbs and spices. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also use crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish too. Consider adding olives or capers for a salty kick. Each option enhances the overall flavor profile!
This blog post covered all you need for a great pasta dish. We explored the main ingredients and pantry staples, as well as optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and handy tips for creaminess and flavor. You learned about tasty variations and how to store leftovers safely.
Remember, making pasta allows for creativity. Try different proteins or veggies. Enjoy the cooking process and share your results! Your pasta journey is just beginning, so get started no
One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Discover the delicious flavors of this One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a perfect choice for your dinner table. This Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Recipe combines creamy pasta with spinach for a Quick Vegetarian Pasta Dish that's both satisfying and simple to make. With rich ingredients and minimal cleanup, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Try it tonight and save for later! #OnePanPasta #SunDriedTomato #QuickVegetarian #PastaLovers
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
In a large skillet or sauté pan, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the broth.
Cover and cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Mix well until the spinach wilts.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly.
Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4
- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal!
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