Description
This One-Pan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dinner dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Penne pasta is cooked directly in a creamy vegetable broth infused with garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich sauce with minimal cleanup. Fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese are added at the end for a vibrant, cheesy finish, with the option of fresh basil garnish to brighten the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes until they release their aroma and flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the penne pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream to the skillet, creating the base for the creamy sauce.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor, then mix thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Pasta: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer gently, allowing the pasta to cook.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Fold in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve immediately garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor and easy sautéing.
- Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more vegetable broth if the sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Fresh basil leaves are optional but add a lovely herbal brightness when serving.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.
