Name: Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2/3 cup diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach

Print Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant meal to whip up quickly, this Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce all lovingly tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish balances brightness and richness so well, it feels like a special occasion in every bite yet is simple enough for a weekday dinner. You’re about to discover a new favorite that’s both satisfying and bursting with wholesome, fresh flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl full of cooked, yellow curly pasta is in the bottom right corner. Above it, a smaller white bowl holds dark red sun-dried tomatoes with a dry texture. Next to it on the left is a white bowl filled with fresh dark green spinach leaves. Above the spinach, a white bowl contains grated white Parmesan cheese. To the left of the Parmesan, a clear glass jar holds golden yellow broth. In the top middle, a small white bowl has dark brown balsamic vinegar. Below the balsamic, a white bowl contains finely chopped garlic and green herbs. To the right of the herbs, a small white bowl holds white flour. Below the flour, a white bowl has two pieces of pale yellow butter stacked. To the right of the butter, a clear glass measuring cup is filled with heavy white cream. All items are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing texture and depth to adding color and enhancing the overall flavor profile. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll craft a dish that feels far from ordinary.

8 ounces pasta: Choose any shape you love; penne or fettuccine work wonderfully to hold the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a silky base for sautéing aromatics.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the flavor with savory notes.
2/3 cup diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained: The star ingredient that delivers tangy, concentrated bursts of flavor.
2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a luscious, velvety coating.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, providing indulgent creaminess.
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach: Introduces freshness, vibrant color, and a gentle earthiness.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.

How to Make Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil; salting the water generously enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out. Cook your pasta just until al dente according to package instructions—this means tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water, which will come in handy later to get the sauce just right.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes

In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until fragrant. Toss in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced sun-dried tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 to 60 seconds to coax out the toasted, robust flavors without burning the garlic. This step builds an incredible aroma that sets the tone for your sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the tomato mixture and stir continuously for one minute. This quick roux helps thicken the sauce while cooking out any floury taste. Then, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra depth and richness to the sauce base.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Parmesan

Pour in the heavy cream and turn the heat to medium. Warm the cream gently while stirring for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Then add the shredded Parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until melted and smooth. At this stage, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and fresh cracked pepper as needed.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Balsamic Vinegar

Fold in the chopped baby spinach and the teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. Stir quickly just until the spinach wilts into the sauce, offering a bright green contrast and a lovely tang that brightens every bite. This finishing touch transforms the dish from rich to perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a few splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure every noodle is deliciously coated. Give one last taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.

How to Serve Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white deep pan filled with a creamy mixture. The creamy base is light tan with visible small flecks of black and red spices spread evenly throughout. Mixed inside are vibrant green spinach leaves, some whole and some slightly wilted, creating a textured surface. There are also tiny bits of sun-dried tomato pieces scattered around, adding small spots of reddish-orange color. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors and textures of the creamy dish inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the dish is gorgeous on its own, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, some cracked black pepper, and a few torn fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can elevate its presentation and add a fresh burst of complementing flavor. Toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil also work wonderfully as finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a delightful textural contrast and earthy flavor to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant touch, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a twist of fresh cracked pepper on top and a small drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze. You can also transform it into a baked dish by placing the sauced pasta in a casserole, topping it with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then broiling until golden and crisp. It’s an impressive way to enjoy the same beloved flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate. If you choose to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Microwaving is convenient but do so in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil?

Yes, but if you use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate before adding to the dish. This helps recover their tenderness and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish fully vegetarian without losing depth of flavor in the creamy sauce.

What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great options because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite kind!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes, plus a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture and flavor will differ somewhat but can still be delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer on medium heat, stirring frequently to help it reduce and thicken. Adding an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux stage also works well.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It is both easy enough for a quick weeknight meal and impressive enough to serve guests. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite—rich, fresh, and perfectly balanced in every bite. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this delicious recipe in your own kitchen!