Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish with a creamy, blended sun dried tomato and basil sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Light yet indulgent, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
3/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/2 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup yoghurt or sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup cream
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper, to taste
300 g pasta of choice (penne or ziti recommended)
1 tbsp oil from sun dried tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cups finely shredded fresh English spinach
Extra parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Fresh basil, finely shredded, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Blend sun dried tomatoes, basil, yoghurt or sour cream (if using), cream, milk, tomato paste (if using), parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Heat pasta water in a large pot. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil from the sun dried tomatoes and sauté garlic for 20 seconds. Add onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add drained pasta, creamy sauce, spinach, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir gently and heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Adjust sauce consistency with more pasta water if needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp.
- Swap spinach for roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.
- To make vegan, skip dairy ingredients and use plant-based milk with soaked cashews blended into the sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added milk or water.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg