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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need penne pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well. Next, sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich taste. They add a nice zing to every bite. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy texture. Garlic powder adds flavor without the fuss. Italian seasoning blends herbs for a balanced taste. Grated Parmesan cheese is essential for a cheesy finish. Olive oil adds richness to the sauce. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrients. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Additional cheese for topping - Various herbs for extra flavor - Protein options like chicken or shrimp You can customize this dish with optional ingredients. If you love cheese, add more on top. Fresh herbs can boost flavor too. You could try thyme or oregano. For a heartier meal, add proteins like chicken or shrimp. These options make the dish even more filling. To cook penne pasta al dente, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This step is key because it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a boil before adding the penne. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Test a piece before draining. It should be tender but still firm. After cooking, drain the pasta, and set it aside. For the sauce, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they smell great. Next, sprinkle in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir these in to blend the flavors. Now pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. Adding grated Parmesan cheese will make the sauce creamy. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Finally, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Use a gentle tossing technique to coat all the pasta evenly. This helps ensure every bite is full of flavor. Taste the dish, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To adjust the thickness of your sauce, you can add more cream. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water. This water carries starch from the pasta, helping to create a silky texture. Balancing flavors is key. Always taste your sauce. If it feels flat, add salt, pepper, or a pinch of Italian seasoning. This will lift the dish and bring out the rich flavors. When serving, a large bowl adds a homey feel. Individual plates look fancy. Sprinkle more Parmesan on top for a cheesy touch. Fresh basil leaves add color and aroma. Pair this dish with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, enhances the creamy flavors. For non-drinkers, a sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm. This helps the pasta hold its shape and texture. Another mistake is skipping seasoning. The sauce needs salt and pepper to shine. Even if you think the sun-dried tomatoes bring enough flavor, taste and adjust. Never underestimate the power of a well-seasoned dish! {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use rice penne or chickpea pasta. Both choices taste great and stay firm. If you want a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream. They give a rich taste without dairy. To boost flavor, add more veggies. Bell peppers bring sweetness, and mushrooms add earthiness. Just sauté them with the sun-dried tomatoes. For protein, chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the meat before adding it to the sauce for a hearty meal. If you want a twist, try a tomato-based sauce. Use diced tomatoes instead of cream. This gives a light and fresh taste. Another option is pesto sauce. It adds a bright and herby flavor, perfect for summer meals. To keep your creamy sun-dried tomato penne fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to blend the sauce with the pasta. Heat until just warm, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid high heat; it may dry out or curdle. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta dishes! However, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly in a skillet, adding a bit of cream for smoothness. Enjoy your creamy sun-dried tomato penne even after freezing! This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce separately. Store each in the fridge. When ready to eat, mix them and heat gently. This way, you save time on busy days. Pair this dish with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad brightens the meal. For drinks, try white wine or sparkling water. These add a nice touch to your dinner. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy sun-dried tomato penne. We covered main and optional ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips for success. You learned about common mistakes, variations, and storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Final thoughts: This pasta dish is rich, tasty, and easy to make. You can adjust flavors and ingredients to match your taste. Enjoy the cooking process and share it with friends!

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy sun-dried tomato penne! This easy recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich sun-dried tomato and cream sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. With fresh spinach and a touch of Parmesan, every bite is a burst of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a must-try! Click now to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

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

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.

      Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, mixing well.

        Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.

          Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

            Toss in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                Combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat all the pasta evenly in the sauce.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, sprinkling a bit more Parmesan and arranging a few basil leaves artfully on top for a vibrant look.