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- Pasta options: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta works great here. You can use any pasta shape you like, but penne holds the sauce well. - Fresh vegetables: - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced adds a burst of flavor. - 3 cups fresh spinach gives color and nutrients to the dish. - Dairy and alternatives: - 1 cup heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy finish. For vegan, try nutritional yeast. - Seasonings and oils: - 2 tablespoons olive oil is perfect for sautéing. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil enhance the flavors. - Salt and pepper to taste bring everything together. - Broth and seasonings: - 4 cups vegetable broth provide the base for cooking the pasta. - Red pepper flakes are optional if you like a bit of heat. These ingredients blend to create a creamy delight that is quick and easy to make. You’ll love how they come together in one pot. Happy cooking! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn clear. Next, toss in the minced garlic for one more minute. Keep stirring so it won't burn. Now, add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook this mix for about 2 minutes to let those flavors come together. The aroma will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Stir well so the pasta is fully covered. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want it to be al dente, with some liquid still left in the pot. When the pasta is nearly done, add 3 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture turns creamy. This step adds a lovely color and richness to your dish. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now, your creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta is ready to serve! Enjoy every bite of this one-pot delight. To make your pasta creamy, adjust the liquid. If it seems too thick, add a bit more broth or cream. The right balance ensures a smooth texture. For cream alternatives, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add a nice flavor without dairy. Spices and herbs can take your dish up a notch. Try adding garlic powder, thyme, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. They add depth to the taste. For serving, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick, too. Timing is key for al dente pasta. Cook the penne for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This keeps your pasta from getting mushy. Stirring during cooking helps mix in the flavors. It also ensures an even cook. Enjoy the process and watch your dish come alive! {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta. If you want meat, try chicken or shrimp. Cook the chicken in cubes until golden brown. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. For shrimp, toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and add great flavor. If you prefer plant-based options, consider chickpeas or tofu. Cook cubed tofu until crispy, then mix it in. Chickpeas add nice texture and protein. They pair well with the creamy sauce. For a vegetarian dish, you can swap heavy cream for plant-based cream. Almond or coconut cream works great. It keeps the dish creamy while being dairy-free. If you're vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Mix it in just before serving for the best taste. Feel free to switch pasta shapes. While penne is great, fusilli or farfalle also work well. These shapes hold the sauce nicely. You can also add different vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for extra flavor. To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Store leftovers in airtight containers. - Let the pasta cool before sealing. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Use leftovers within three days for best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option: - Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers. - Leave a little space for expansion. - Label containers with the date. - Use within three months for best quality. When it's time to enjoy your pasta again, reheating is easy: - Heat in a pot over low heat. - Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to keep it moist. - Stir often to avoid sticking. - For microwave reheating, cover with a lid to keep moisture in. By following these storage tips, your creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta will taste just as good the next time you serve it! This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You need about 10 minutes for prep. The cooking time is around 20 minutes. This includes the time to sauté, boil, and simmer everything in one pot. Yes, you can! Look for gluten-free penne or any pasta made from rice or lentils. Many brands offer tasty options that work well in this recipe. Just remember to check the cooking time on the package. Gluten-free pasta may need a bit longer to cook. If you can't find sun-dried tomatoes, try using fresh tomatoes. Chop them and sauté until soft. You can also use roasted red peppers for a different flavor. Both options will give your dish a nice taste. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just remember to thaw it first. Squeeze out excess water before adding it to the pot. It will blend well with the cream and other ingredients. This option saves time and still gives great flavor. This blog post covered how to make a delicious one-pot pasta dish. We explored the key ingredients, from fresh veggies to creamy options. I shared step-by-step instructions to create the base, cook the pasta, and finalize the dish. You also learned tips for perfect creaminess and flavor enhancements. With variations for protein and storage advice, you can customize your meal. Keep these ideas in mind for your next dinner. Enjoy cooking and delighting in your tasty creation!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta One Pot

Indulge in the creamy goodness of sun-dried tomato spinach pasta, a delicious one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful dish that everyone will love. From sautéing onions and garlic to blending in fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is as easy as it is tasty. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family at dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced

3 cups fresh spinach

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

      Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil; cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and stir well to combine.

          Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.

            Add the fresh spinach and heavy cream to the pot, stirring until the spinach wilts and the mixture becomes creamy.

              Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly incorporated.

                Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color. Add a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant finish. Enjoy your one-pot wonder!