If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant meal that doesn’t take forever to cook, this Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta is your new go-to. It’s a flavorful and nourishing dish that comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
What makes this pasta truly special is the irresistible combination of sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, earthy fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan, all swirled together with perfectly cooked pasta. The result? A warm, comforting bowl of goodness that tastes like a gourmet Italian meal—without the wait.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding your family, or impressing guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. And with simple ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can confidently pull it off.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Quick & Easy: On the table in just 15 minutes!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Meatless yet rich and satisfying.
- Customizable: Add your favorite protein or switch up the pasta.
- Nutritious: Packed with iron-rich spinach and antioxidant-loaded sun-dried tomatoes.
Spinach offers a powerful dose of vitamin K, iron, and magnesium, while sun-dried tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health. Together, they create a nutrient-dense, deliciously balanced meal.
🍽️ What is Sun-Dried Tomato?
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dried in the sun or in dehydrators, concentrating their flavor into a rich, sweet-tart burst. Typically packed in oil, they bring a luxurious texture and depth to pasta dishes, salads, and sauces.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants
- Contain lycopene, which supports heart and skin health
- Long shelf life makes them a great pantry staple
Fun fact: It takes about 10 fresh tomatoes to make just 1 ounce of sun-dried tomatoes!
🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pasta (8 oz) – Spaghetti or fettuccine work well, but you can use penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta too.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/4 cup) – Opt for oil-packed for extra richness; dry-packed works too (rehydrate first).
- Garlic (2 cloves) – Adds a fragrant kick; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Fresh Spinach (3 cups) – Roughly chopped; baby kale or arugula are great substitutes.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup) – Grated fresh for best flavor; use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Extra virgin adds richness; avocado oil is a fine alternative.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste; sea salt and freshly cracked pepper recommended.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success
- Salt the pasta water generously to season from within.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency at the end.
- Don’t overcook the spinach – Just wilt it for vibrant color and taste.
- Use tongs to toss pasta with the sauce for even coating.
- Add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if desired for a fuller meal.
📢 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta, try these other delicious and easy recipes:
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta (Fast & Flavorful!)
- One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta (Quick & Cozy!)
- Easy Lemon Spinach Orzo (Light & Refreshing!)
- Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies (Easy & Green!)
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (Ready in 20 Min!)
- Best Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo (Ready in 20 Min!)
🤤 Your New Favorite Side Dish Awaits!
Get ready to fall in love with this sun-dried tomato and spinach pasta! It’s quick, cozy, and packed with flavor. Whip it up tonight and bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table—your tastebuds will thank you!
Description
A quick and delicious pasta recipe marrying the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthiness of spinach.
Ingredients
Pasta Dish Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
-
Boiling the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Use a generous amount of salt to season the water for flavorful pasta. -
Cooking the Pasta
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Preparing the Sauce
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Sautéing Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. -
Adding Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add spinach and cook until wilted. -
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce.Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavors.
Finishing Touches
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Seasoning and Serving
Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with a garnish of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 321kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
- Cholesterol 6.1mg3%
- Sodium 130.4mg6%
- Potassium 379.4mg11%
- Total Carbohydrate 45.8g16%
- Dietary Fiber 2.8g12%
- Sugars 2.9g
- Protein 11.8g24%
- Calcium 145.9 mg
- Iron 1.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)
Note
- For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative.
- You can use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
- Feel free to add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This pasta pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. Enjoy!
