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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta


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  • Author: Yusraa
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. 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.
  5. 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