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Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce

Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

A quick and creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe made with penne, parmesan, spinach, and herbs. Rich in flavor, easy to customize, and ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or comforting meals at home.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: One-pan pasta
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 437
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb  penne pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon  dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon  Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon  dried parsley flakes
  • ¼½ teaspoon  red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 1¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or milk of choice)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 2.5 ounces baby spinach leaves
  • ⅓ cup fresh chopped basil

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water. Set aside.
  2. Sauté tomatoes in a skillet with 1–2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  3. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Add spices (basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, red pepper flakes) and toast for 30 seconds.
  5. Slowly whisk in broth and milk. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Add spinach and stir just until wilted.
  7. Toss pasta with sauce in the skillet. Add fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm, topped with extra parmesan or more red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to sauté for added flavor.
  • Substitute dairy-free milk and cheese to make the dish vegan.
  • Gluten-free pasta and flour can be used for dietary adjustments.
  • Let sauce thicken before adding pasta to help it stick better.
  • To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 437 kcal
Carbohydrates 69 g
Protein 14 g
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 27 mg
Sodium 342 mg
Potassium 519 mg
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 7 g
Vitamin A 1746 IU
Vitamin C 14 mg
Calcium 145 mg
Iron 2 mg