The Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe is a vibrant, comforting dish that effortlessly combines bright sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and luscious spinach in a dreamy creamy sauce. It strikes the perfect balance between rich and fresh, making it an instant favorite for any pasta lover. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds with every bite and bring a splash of color and warmth to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy smoothness of the sauce, and the fresh green pop of spinach and basil that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Sun dried tomatoes (3/4 cup, roughly chopped): The star ingredient, packed with intense tomato flavor that shines through every bite.
- Basil leaves (1/2 cup, lightly packed): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Yogurt or sour cream (1/4 cup, optional): Provides subtle tang and richness to the sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer.
- Cream (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce its velvety texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Milk (1 3/4 cups, low fat works great): Lightens the sauce without sacrificing creaminess, keeping it luscious but not heavy.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp, optional): Deepens the tomato flavor for a richer taste experience.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, finely grated): Brings a salty, nutty finish to the sauce and enhances the dish’s savory profile.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
- Pasta (300 g, penne or ziti recommended): The perfect shape to soak up the creamy sauce and hold bits of spinach and tomato.
- Oil from sun dried tomatoes (1 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor when sautéing and helps marry the ingredients.
- Garlic cloves (2, crushed): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable, savory aroma.
- Small onion (1, finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth once cooked down.
- Fresh English spinach (4 cups, finely shredded): Provides a fresh, delicate green texture that melds beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and boosts flavor just before serving.
How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by blending the sun dried tomatoes, basil, yogurt or sour cream (if using), cream, milk, tomato paste (if you want extra tomato depth), grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until you have a luxuriously smooth and vibrant sauce. This creamy base is the heart of your dish, packed with flavor and ready to elevate the pasta in the coming steps.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the tomato oil from your sun dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add crushed garlic and let it cook just 20 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in your finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and tender. This forms a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your aromatics are bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Before draining, scoop out about one cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is pure magic when it comes to blending your sauce and pasta together smoothly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onion, add your drained pasta. Pour in the creamy sauce and toss in the finely shredded spinach. Add about half a cup of reserved pasta water to help coat everything evenly and gently wilt the spinach. Stir carefully for around two minutes until the sauce is heated through and perfectly glossy on the noodles. Check seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
Step 5: Perfect the Consistency
If your sauce feels too thick, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the consistency you love—a sauce that clings nicely without pooling excessively.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Turn off the heat, and your luscious Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil ribbons on top for that finishing touch that makes all the difference.
How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top bring a pop of color and fragrant notes that enhance every forkful. More freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and a little saltiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Some extra chopped sun dried tomatoes on the side give a chewy, tangy contrast that lingers delightfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that don’t compete but complement. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing acidity to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also make great accompaniments, adding texture and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, twirl individual pasta servings into neat nests on each plate. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or infuse your oil with chili flakes and lightly drizzle to add a hint of heat and sheen. Serving in rustic pasta bowls with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers can also make this comforting dish feel instantly special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce holds up well overnight and the spinach maintains its texture nicely. Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation from making the pasta soggy.
Freezing
This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe freezes reasonably well but keep in mind that fresh spinach might lose its vibrant texture after thawing. To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and consume within up to 2 months for best flavor. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may want to add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and revive the creaminess as it warms. Avoid high heat to prevent the dairy from curdling and enjoy just as fresh as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes don’t have the same concentrated sweetness and tang as sun dried tomatoes, so the flavor won’t be as intense. That said, you can roast fresh tomatoes to intensify their flavor before using them as a substitute, but it will change the character of the dish slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the cream, yogurt, and Parmesan for coconut cream or other plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne, ziti, or any short, ridged pasta are fantastic choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce and bits of spinach perfectly. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes are wonderful additions that turn this into a more substantial meal. Simply cook your protein separately and toss it in during the final step with the pasta and sauce.
How long does this pasta keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture of the spinach and pasta might decline, so it’s best enjoyed within that window.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Creamy Spinach and Basil Recipe that invites you back for seconds. Its rich yet bright flavors make it a standout in any dinner lineup, and the ease of preparation means you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and fresh in one unforgettable bowl.
