Sun-Dried Tomato Penne – Quick and Flavorful
Quick, flavorful sun-dried tomato penne with spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Looking for a quick and flavorful meal? This Sun-Dried Tomato Penne recipe is the answer! Packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and a favorite among both families and anyone seeking a satisfying dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Penne
- Quick prep time — ready in under 30 minutes!
- Uses pantry staples — perfect on busy weeknights.
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet along with fresh spinach. Toss everything until the spinach wilts and is well combined. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste; sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with fresh basil on top.
Tips
- Opt for whole grain penne for added health benefits.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Adjust the sun-dried tomato amount to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead
This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sun-dried tomato mixture a day in advance. Just combine and heat when ready to serve.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
To freeze, portion out the cooked penne and sun-dried tomato mix into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a nice dinner spread. This dish also works beautifully as a cold pasta salad if you choose to serve it chilled!
Check out this high-quality pasta pot to make your cooking experience easier!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook Penne
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Combine with Spinach
Drain the pasta and add to the skillet with spinach; toss until spinach wilts.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Opt for whole grain penne for added health benefits.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Adjust the sun-dried tomato amount to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I customize this?
Stir in cooked chicken or add olives, capers, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating and add a splash of pasta water if needed.
