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Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach

creamy Tuscan sun-dried tomato penne with spinach - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta (preferably semolina)
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed recommended)
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 4 ounces or 115 grams), rinsed and drained
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar if available)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (including oil from sun-dried tomatoes if available) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting their flavors infuse the oil.
  4. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Stir gently and bring to a low simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Toss in 4 cups (about 115 g) fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Return the drained penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the sauce. Use a bit more reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Let the pasta rest off the heat for a minute, allowing flavors to meld together. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Keep an eye on the cream sauce during simmering to avoid curdling by stirring gently and maintaining medium-low heat. Do not overcook the spinach; it should just wilt to retain its bright green color. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives. Gluten-free pasta can be used as well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta, creamy penne, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-tuscan-sun-dried-tomato-penne-with-spinach-easy-homemade-recipe/