Description
This creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta combines al dente pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch, making it a delicious and easy 30-minute meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water if needed.
- Prepare the base: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Make the roux: Stir in flour and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Whisk in white wine (or chicken broth), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture reduce by half to concentrate flavors.
- Simmer with sun-dried tomatoes and cream: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to bubble gently for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Add cheese and spinach: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
- Combine and serve: Toss the sauce with the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be packed in oil or dry; if dry, soak them briefly in warm water before using.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though sauce may be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the recipe gluten free.