Name: Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 ounces (285 g) pasta, uncooked; 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons (4 g) Italian seasoning; ⅔ cup (110 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained; 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ⅔ cups (395 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (90 g) Parmesan, grated; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika or sweet paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach

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If you’re on the hunt for a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with layers of flavor—from the tangy, concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes to the earthy freshness of spinach and the nutty depth of Parmesan. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or impressing friends at a dinner party, this dish brings comfort and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white pan on a white marbled surface with four stages of cooking a pasta dish. In the first stage, small, dark brown crispy pieces and some light brown powders are spread unevenly inside the pan. The second stage shows the same pan filled with a light beige creamy sauce mixed with small bits of the dark brown crispy pieces. The third stage adds bright green spinach leaves floating in the creamy sauce, creating a contrast with the beige color. The fourth stage shows the pan filled with cooked short tube pasta mixed with the creamy sauce, spinach, and crispy dark brown bits, all coated evenly; the pasta is light tan and piled high inside the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and packed with flavor, each playing a key role to create a balanced dish with great texture, vibrant color, and irresistible taste.

10 ounces pasta: Choose your favorite type; penne or fettuccine work beautifully to catch the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps build the sauce base.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with warming aroma and depth.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brighten the overall flavor.
⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained): These bring an intense, sweet-tart kick that makes the dish pop.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture.
1 ⅔ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and balances richness.
1 cup heavy cream: The star of the sauce, delivering smoothness and indulgence.
1 cup Parmesan, grated: For nutty, salty goodness that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness, a beautiful green hue, and slight earthiness.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: A splash of acidity to cut through the creaminess.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Boosts flavor complexity with a subtle tang.
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika: Lends warmth and a hint of smokiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.

How to Make Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe

Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite but tender. Remember to reserve about one cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting your sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing all its aromatic goodness. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds to create a light roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Deglaze the pan with chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any little browned bits from the bottom—that’s flavor magic right there. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar, and let the mixture come to a gentle heat.

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and allow your sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture. Taste at this point and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity as needed.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh baby spinach directly into the sauce, stirring just until the greens soften and wilt. This step not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also layers in freshness and nutrition.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return your drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your perfect consistency.

Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Dish it out immediately while it’s warm and creamy. For an even more indulgent finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and serve straight away.

How to Serve Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise. Try a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fragrant finish, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a silky shine. A few red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat if you like things a little spicy.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let the star pasta shine. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complements the dish beautifully, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a Parmesan shaving crown. Alternatively, bake it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the sauce and pasta together so the flavors meld evenly.

Freezing

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to one month. Expect a slight change in the texture of the spinach after freezing, but the rich sauce will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water as it warms to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir often to prevent curdling or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?

Yes, but soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using to soften them and bring back some moisture, which helps the sauce blend better.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the rest of the recipe stays the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well. But feel free to use whatever pasta you have—it’s all delicious.

Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?

Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives if you want a similar salty, nutty flavor. Just watch the salt level since some cheeses are saltier than Parmesan.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based cream, and a dairy-free cheese substitute. Also, make sure to use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Sundried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Parmesan and Spinach Recipe is a total winner when you want a quick, comforting meal that still feels special. Its effortless preparation coupled with rich, vibrant flavors makes it one of my favorites to whip up again and again. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every creamy, tangy, and savory forkful!

Ingredients You'll Need