Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne
If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful, and impressive pasta dish that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant but can easily make at home, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender penne pasta, a luxurious cream-based sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs into one unforgettable bowl of comfort.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, hosting friends for dinner, or simply craving a rich and satisfying meal, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
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This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne, including ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, variations, storage, reheating, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne stands out for several reasons:
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One-pot convenience – Everything cooks in a single pot, saving time and cleanup.
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Balanced flavors – Creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and lightly spicy all in one dish.
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Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, sausage, or keep it vegetarian.
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Comforting yet fresh – Rich cream sauce balanced with spinach and basil.
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Perfect texture – Tender pasta coated in a silky, clingy sauce.
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes with depth of flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
What Is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne?
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne is a pasta dish where penne noodles are cooked directly in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken stock. Fresh spinach and basil are added near the end, along with Parmesan cheese, to create a rich yet vibrant final dish.
Unlike traditional pasta recipes where pasta is boiled separately, this one-pot method allows the noodles to absorb flavor as they cook, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
The Flavor Profile
One of the biggest reasons Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne is so satisfying is its layered flavor:
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Savory from onion, garlic, and Parmesan
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Tangy and umami-rich from sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste
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Creamy and smooth from heavy cream and melted cheese
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Fresh and herbal from spinach and basil
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Gently spicy from red pepper flakes
Each bite offers a balance of richness and brightness that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the key components that make this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne so special.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil
Using oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes adds instant depth and flavor. It’s already infused with herbs and tomato essence, giving the base of the dish a head start.
Onion and Garlic
These aromatics build the foundation of the sauce. Cooking them until soft and fragrant releases natural sweetness and complexity.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Intensely flavorful and slightly chewy, sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated tomato taste that pairs beautifully with cream.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste deepens the sauce, adding richness and body. Cooking it briefly caramelizes the sugars and enhances its flavor.
Chicken Stock
Stock provides savory depth and serves as the cooking liquid for the pasta. Vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version.
Heavy Cream
The heart of the creamy sauce. Heavy cream creates a luscious, silky texture that coats every piece of pasta.
Penne Pasta
Penne’s tubular shape is perfect for catching and holding sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Spinach
Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor.
Basil
Basil adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding saltiness and umami.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne Recipe
🕒 Prep Time
10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time
25 minutes
⏱ Total Time
35 minutes
🍽 Servings
4–6 servings
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
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1 medium onion, diced
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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⅓ cup tomato paste
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4 cups chicken stock
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1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
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14 oz penne pasta
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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5 oz fresh spinach
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¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil.
Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Slowly pour in chicken stock, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add penne pasta directly into the pot.
Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Add Greens & Finish
Stir in spinach and basil.
Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture.
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Keep cream at room temperature to prevent curdling.
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Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
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Add extra stock if sauce becomes too thick.
Variations and Add-Ins
Protein Options
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Grilled chicken
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Shrimp
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Italian sausage
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Crispy bacon
Vegetarian Add-Ins
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Mushrooms
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Zucchini
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Roasted red peppers
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Artichoke hearts
Cheese Options
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Pecorino Romano
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Asiago
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Mozzarella
Make It Healthier
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
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Add extra spinach or kale.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne with:
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Garlic bread
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Caesar salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Simple green salad
Storage and Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the pasta
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Using pre-shredded Parmesan
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Skipping the tomato paste cooking step
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne is a rich, comforting one-pot pasta packed with bold flavors. Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste create a deep savory base, while heavy cream and Parmesan bring silky smoothness. Fresh spinach and basil add brightness and balance, making this dish both hearty and fresh at the same time.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)
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1 medium onion, diced
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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⅓ cup tomato paste
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4 cups chicken stock
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1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
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14 oz penne pasta
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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5 oz fresh spinach
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¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the sun-dried tomato oil.
Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor.
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to deglaze the pan and combine everything smoothly.
Add the heavy cream and mix well.
Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fully combined.
Add the penne pasta directly into the pot. Stir to coat it in the sauce.
Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cook until the pasta is nearly tender (about 75–85% done).
Stir in the fresh spinach and basil. Allow the spinach to wilt into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or additional chicken stock.
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting and better flavor.
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Room temperature cream prevents curdling when added to hot liquid.
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Make it protein-rich: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
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Vegetarian option: Swap chicken stock for vegetable broth.
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Extra creamy texture: Add an additional 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 520–560
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne lies in its simplicity and balance. Every ingredient has a purpose, and the one-pot method allows flavors to build naturally. The result is a dish that tastes complex but is surprisingly easy to make.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Penne is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, comforting, flavorful, and versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and fresh greens, this dish proves that homemade meals can be both simple and luxurious.
