Few dishes bring warmth to the table quite like Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe creates a luscious, creamy sauce brimming with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, garlic, and parmesan—all tossed with tender pasta for a meal that feels special yet comes together in just 30 minutes. With no alcohol in the recipe (using chicken broth for depth), this is a family-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to throw together. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a home chef looking for vibrant flavors, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
A Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe to Remember: Personal Story
I still remember the first time I tasted Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. It was a cool spring evening and I was looking for a new twist on my usual weeknight pasta routine. While scrolling through social media for inspiration, I stumbled upon a beautiful plate of creamy, scarlet-dotted pasta. Intrigued, I set out to craft my own Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe, riffing on pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
From that night on, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta became my go-to comfort food. Whenever I craved something rich yet tangy, I’d chop sun-dried tomatoes, wilt spinach, and let the whole dish come together in one skillet. Friends began asking for the recipe, and it quickly found a beloved place at family gatherings, potlucks, and solo “treat yourself” evenings. With every forkful, I’m transported back to those early culinary experiments, and I can’t help but feel a little proud of how this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe continues to win rave reviews at my table.
You’ll love how adaptable this dish can be—make it your own with extra veggies, a protein boost, or your favorite herbs. It’s the kind of recipe you return to again and again, especially when you’re craving cozy comfort with fresh, bold character.
Why Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Irresistible Flavors in Every Bite This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe hits all the right notes: tang from the sun-dried tomatoes, earthiness from spinach, creaminess from the sauce, and the salty bite of parmesan. The garlic and Italian seasoning tie everything together, while a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon juice perk up the sauce without overpowering it. Each forkful is a balance of richness and brightness.
The sun-dried tomatoes—intense and slightly chewy—add a concentrated tomato punch you just can’t get from fresh. When paired with wilted fresh baby spinach and al dente pasta, the result is a restaurant-worthy dish made at home in half an hour. Because the pasta is tossed directly in the skillet with the sauce, every noodle gets coated in decadent flavor.
Quick, Family-Friendly, and Versatile This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is perfect for quick family dinners, romantic date nights, or last-minute company. It’s naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with your favorite pasta. No wine needed; chicken broth brings body, making this a dish everyone around the table can enjoy.
It’s also endlessly adaptable. Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. Swap spinach for kale or arugula, add mushrooms, or throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. However you make it, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe always delivers.
Mastering the Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Gathering What You Need Here’s everything you’ll need for this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or use dry white wine if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes and Tips
- Pasta: Any type works, but penne, farfalle, or spaghetti soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If yours are packed in oil, drain them well for the best texture.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances savory depth while keeping the recipe alcohol-free and family-friendly.
- Heavy Cream: Use for a rich, silky sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts best and delivers unbeatable flavor.
- Veggies: Spinach adds color and nutrition, but you can get creative with other greens or mushrooms.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a half-cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth, the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly reduced by half for concentrated flavor.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and 3/4 cup heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 1/3 cup parmesan cheese and mix until melted in. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss well so every strand or bite is coated with sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra parmesan if desired.
How to Elevate Your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Creative Variations
- For Protein: Add diced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- More Veggies: Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or zucchini make excellent additions.
- Freshness: Swap spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery twist.
- Spice: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Cheese: Try finishing with crumbled goat cheese, feta, or creamy ricotta.
Make It Lighter If you’re looking to lighten up this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For added fiber and nutrition, whole wheat or legume-based pasta is a great swap.
Serving and Storing Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Perfect Presentation To serve Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta beautifully, twirl portions into bowls with tongs and top with extra parmesan, a few reserved sun-dried tomato slices, and a scatter of fresh herbs (parsley or basil). Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to round out the meal.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened.
- Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce base, but it’s so tasty, leftovers rarely last!
Troubleshooting Your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Why is My Sauce Grainy? Always use freshly grated parmesan and add it after the cream is heated (not boiling) to ensure it melts smoothly.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker or Thinner? If your sauce is too thick, add extra pasta water or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer to let it reduce and concentrate.
What If My Sun-Dried Tomatoes Are Very Tart? Balance their tang with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey in the sauce.
Conclusion: Why Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
Nothing beats the comforting flavors of a bowl of Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta—creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor in every forkful. This recipe is quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you stick to the original or add your own twist, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a foolproof way to please everyone at the table. Save it in your favorite recipe collection and enjoy the cozy satisfaction meal after meal!
If you’re a fan of pasta with bold character, try expanding your repertoire with our Healthy Tomato Zucchini Pasta—a fresh and veggie-packed alternative—or indulge in the richness of Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you’re craving something heartier. Want to stay meat-free? The Chickpea Spinach Coconut Curry offers similar cozy satisfaction with a spicy twist.
Love spinach and parmesan together? Don’t miss our savory Spinach Cheese Quiche for brunch or light dinners. And if you’re a true sun-dried tomato enthusiast, you’ll enjoy their magic in our Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed French Toast—a creative, flavor-packed surprise.
This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe isn’t just quick and easy—it’s endlessly adaptable, budget-friendly, and destined to be bookmarked again and again. Give it a try, make it your own, and explore all the flavorful connections across Recipes Retreat’s kitchen creations.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or use dry white wine if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained if packed in oil
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for your pasta and cook until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add flour and garlic, cook for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the wine (or chicken broth), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let it cook until reduced by half.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cream, let it bubble for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the parmesan, then add the spinach and let it wilt.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water before draining. Season with salt & pepper.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, be sure to drain them.
Frequently Asked Questions—Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Can I make Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite certified gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch.
What can I substitute for cream?
Use half-and-half, whole milk (for a lighter result), or a dairy-free cream (like coconut cream) if you need a non-dairy version.
Is Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian as written unless you use chicken broth. Swap chicken broth for veggie broth to keep it entirely vegetarian.
Can I add meat to Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta?
Definitely. This is delicious with grilled or shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crisp bacon for extra flavor.
