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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese When it comes to the main ingredients, each one plays a big role. The penne pasta provides a nice bite. Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor. Heavy cream gives the dish its creamy texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth that ties it all together. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper Seasonings elevate this dish. Garlic powder adds warmth, while Italian seasoning brings a mix of herbs. Salt and pepper let you adjust the flavor to your liking. - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh ingredients brighten the meal. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Olive oil helps sauté the sun-dried tomatoes, enhancing their flavor. Basil leaves on top provide a fresh finish and aroma, making the dish look appealing. 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add 12 oz of penne pasta to the water. 3. Cook the penne until al dente. This usually takes 10-12 minutes. 4. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Toss in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. 3. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix them well. 4. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir as you pour to combine. 5. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. 1. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into the sauce. 2. Fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. 3. Taste the sauce, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. 4. Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. 5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for extra color and flavor. To make the sauce perfect, you want a thick and creamy texture. Start by simmering the heavy cream after adding it to the skillet. Stir it often. This helps it thicken well. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This also adds flavor. Seasoning is key to a great sauce. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste your sauce while cooking. Adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add more garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Cooking pasta to al dente means it will have a nice bite. To do this, follow the package instructions closely. Usually, this takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. To avoid overcooked pasta, do not leave it in the water too long. Once it’s al dente, drain it right away. Rinse it briefly with cold water if you are not mixing it into the sauce right away. This stops the cooking process. For a restaurant-style dish, presentation is important. Serve the pasta in a rustic bowl or elegant shallow plates. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a nice touch. Fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. Arrange a few around the dish. Pair your creamy sun-dried tomato penne with a side salad or garlic bread. For drinks, a crisp white wine goes well. Enjoy! {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type in this dish. Try gluten-free penne for a lighter option. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Cheese is also flexible. Use mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta brings a tangy twist. Cream cheese can create a richer texture. To make this meal even better, add veggies. Mushrooms bring earthiness, while bell peppers add crunch and color. Zucchini is another great choice for extra nutrients. If you want protein, chicken or shrimp work well. Grilled chicken adds heartiness. Sauteed shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor. If you want it vegan, replace the pasta with whole grain or legume pasta. Use plant-based cheese and skip the cream. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-friendly. To store leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne, first let it cool. Use an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the sauce creamy. Heat it on low, stirring gently. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots. Yes, you can freeze Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne! To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently. Add a bit of cream if it looks dry. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, the flavor will change. Fresh tomatoes are juicy and mild. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich and intense. They add a concentrated taste that brightens the dish. If you use fresh tomatoes, you might need to cook them longer. This helps them break down and release their flavors. To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer. This reduces the cream and makes it richer. You can also add more Parmesan cheese for thickness. If you want a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta water. This water has starch that helps the sauce stick. You can also add more cream to loosen it up. This pasta dish pairs well with a fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. For drinks, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a nice choice. It balances the creaminess and complements the sun-dried tomatoes well. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne. We explored each ingredient, from penne pasta and sun-dried tomatoes to fresh spinach and garlic. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking your pasta and making a rich sauce. You learned helpful tips for perfecting flavor and texture, along with storage and serving ideas. Keep experimenting with different ingredients and enjoy your tasty dish! The possibilities are endless. Enjoy every bite of your creation!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with this easy recipe! This delectable dish combines al dente penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious cream sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta night!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

    Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they release their aroma and become slightly caramelized.

      Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, mixing well to incorporate the spices into the tomatoes.

        Gradually pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring as you do to combine everything smoothly. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luscious.

          Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce takes on a rich, creamy texture.

            Fold in the chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes just until the spinach wilts and brightens in color.

              Taste the sauce, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

                Gently add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is coated evenly with the delectable sauce.

                  Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or individual plates, serving it hot and garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in a rustic bowl or elegant shallow plates. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top and arrange a few fresh basil leaves for a stunning color contrast and fragrant aroma.