Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Garlic

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Garlic is a rich and indulgent dish that combines the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with creamy sauce, tender spinach, and aromatic garlic. The pasta is coated in a velvety sauce that’s packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both comforting and full of vibrant taste.

Ingredients

• 300g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any type you prefer)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or dairy-free cream for a lighter version)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or dairy-free cheese)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their rich flavors.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine, then simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Add the Spinach

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and incorporated into the sauce.

5. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce needs to be thinned, add a bit more reserved pasta water until everything is well-mixed.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach create a perfect balance of flavors that complement the pasta beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Make it Vegan: To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version.

• Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to the dish, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would work wonderfully.

• Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more or less cream depending on your preference.

Why This Dish Works

The combination of creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach creates a perfectly balanced dish. The richness of the cream enhances the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, while the spinach adds freshness and depth. It’s a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Garlic is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. With its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s quick, flavorful, and indulgent – everything you want in a satisfying meal.