Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
A rich and creamy pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender penne is tossed in a velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes.
- d.Crucially, before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Sauce Base
- b.Chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to deepen their flavor.
- c.Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- d.Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Cream Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- c.Warm the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not allow it to boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
- d.Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has completely melted into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- e.Season with 1/2 tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring gently until it wilts completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- c.Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce.
- d.Toss everything together thoroughly until the penne is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Divide the pasta among four bowls.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- d.Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need. It's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- 2Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and texture. The infused oil is perfect for sautéing.
- 3Always add cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or oily.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can blend half of the sun-dried tomatoes with the vegetable broth before adding it to the pan.
- 5This sauce works beautifully with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Stir in cooked, sliced chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage along with the pasta for a heartier meal.
Make it VeganMake it Vegan
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream. Replace Parmesan with 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts when you add the spinach for more nutrients and texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper with the garlic for a significant kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Sun-dried tomatoes are a concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health and protection against certain environmental damage.
Nutrient-Dense Greens
Spinach is packed with essential nutrients, including Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin A for vision, and iron for energy production.
Immune System Support
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which has been studied for its potential to boost the immune system and provide antibacterial properties.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Penne with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.