This one pot sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is absolutely divine! We love the rich flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes that make the pasta sauce oh-so-yummy. It’s a flavor symphony that will have you savoring every delightful bite. Brace yourself for a pasta experience that’s nothing short of heavenly!
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What are sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are amazing! Their flavor is more potent than fresh tomatoes, and it has tons of umami. If you aren’t familiar, umami is the fifth element of taste located at the center of your tongue. It is a category of extra savory flavors!
These tomatoes have been dehydrated, either in the sun (as their name implies) or in an oven. This dehydration process concentrates the flavor of the tomatoes. The tomatoes can lose up to 90% of their weight during the process, packing the flavor into each bite! They have a sweet flavor with a gentle tang.
Sun-dried tomatoes can come stored in two forms: in oil or dry. The main difference between the two is the texture before you cook them. The dry sun-dried tomatoes tend to be chewier because there is nothing to add hydration. When you are cooking sun-dried tomatoes, it doesn’t matter which type you choose because there is an element of hydration!
Since we are essentially hydrating the tomatoes while the pasta cooks, you can use either dry or in oil.
Are sun-dried tomatoes good for you?
Sun-dried tomatoes aren’t just a burst of flavor; they bring a nutritional punch to the table. Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and protein, they add a healthy boost to your meal.
However, it’s worth noting that they can be high in sodium due to the salt used in the drying process. So, while enjoying their deliciousness, it’s wise to keep an eye on your overall sodium intake. Balance is the key to savoring both the taste and health benefits!
How to make our one pot sun-dried tomato pasta
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add dried penne pasta. Next add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and marinara sauce.
- Pour in the broth and sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs on top.
- Bring the pot up to a boil and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al-dente.
- Add in the heavy cream and parmesan and mix it together until the creamy sauce comes together.
- Serve immediately with some pine nuts for garnish!
What kind of pasta to use for this one pot pasta recipe
Personally, we love penne pasta for this sun-dried tomato pasta. The sauce is thick and creamy, and the tube-shaped pasta is a great vessel for it!
Other types of pasta that would work well with this sauce are:
- Gemelli is a great pasta for a creamy tomato sauce. It is a twisted pasta that has lots of little crevices – perfect for picking up sauce!
- Rotini is another awesome pasta shape. Similar to gemelli pasta, rotini noodles are a spiral shape!
- Bowtie pasta is also a wonderful shape to go along with this sauce. The shape and size is similar to the tomatoes, making for a ton of perfectly balanced bites!
Why we love one pot pasta recipes
One pot pasta is our bread and butter here at Food Dolls. We have countless recipes like one pot hummus pasta, pasta e fagioli, and even homemade Spaghetti O’s. . We love this low-mess, hands-off method of cooking pasta for so many reasons. Sure, you can cook your pasta noodles in salted water and make your sauce separately, but why add the extra steps and dishes?!
A main benefit of one pot pasta is a part of its name – you only need to use a single pot! This means less time cleaning up after dinner and more time for you and/or your family. It also means less time cooking since you are cooking your sauce and your pasta at the exact same time.
If we haven’t sold you on one pot pasta, then get ready! We have more great news about this amazing cooking method. One pot pasta also helps to add an extra level of flavor to your dish.
When pasta noodles cook, they absorb the liquid they’re cooking in. Typically that is just salted water. When you cook pasta with the sauce ingredients, it absorbs all those flavors! Because of that, you end up with an extra tasty pasta dish.
For more one pot pasta recipes you are going to love, check out our one pot pasta recipe round up.
How to store one pot sun-dried tomato pasta
This sun-dried tomato pasta makes for the best leftovers! Store whatever you have leftover in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The best way to reheat this pasta is in a small stock pot on the stove. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help rehydrate the pasta as you reheat it. You can also do this in the microwave!
More one pot pasta recipes
Fresh and flavorful One Pot Tomato and Spinach Pasta is perfect for summer or all year round! You can also check out our roundup of our absolute fave one-pot recipes.
One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried penne
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped and drained sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup good quality marinara sauce
- 4 cups broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, add dried penne pasta. Next add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and marinara sauce.1 pound dried penne, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/4 cup chopped and drained sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup good quality marinara sauce
- Pour in the broth and sprinkle salt, pepper and herbs on top.4 cups broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Bring the pot up to a boil and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al-dente.
- Add in the heavy cream and parmesan and mix it together until the creamy sauce comes together.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Serve immediately with some pine nuts for garnish!1/4 cup pine nuts
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Easy and delicious recipe. Creamy but not overly creamy. Very flavorful. Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Will definitely make again. My husband very rarely wants to eat leftovers, well, he took this for lunch the next day. This recipe is easily modified to you preferences or food availability, I’m adding mushrooms next time!
Yay! That is amazing! Thanks for giving it a try!
Made this pasta for Father’s Day this year and my daddy LOVED it! Actually, everyone loved it. It’s nice and creamy and super simple to make. I added crushed red peppers and it was just peefecccttttt!
So glad it was dad approved and everyone loved it! xo, Alia & Radwa
Family Favorite
I’ve made this twice in one month already. That’s how much we love it. Including the kids. Super simple to make and fast. I’ll definitely be making this again. You need to try it.
Thank you!
Hi Gaby – Yay, that is amazing! Glad it’s a hit! xo, Alia & Radwa
Made this over the weekend and it was delicious. A big hit with the family! Fast and easy to make. Will be saved to make again! 😊
Yay! So glad it’s a hit! xo, Alia & Radwa
Hi there! My twin sister and I love your easy and delicious recipes. What kind of herbs (and how much) did you add to this dish? Oregano? Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, thanks for your kind words!! Good catch, we adjusted the recipe! It’s 1 tsp dried oregano. Let us know how it turns out! xo, Alia & Radwa