Creamy Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5.7 as needed 1 pound pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini); 6 bottle 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2.7 tsp 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 fl oz 5 ounces fresh spinach; 5.9 bottle 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped; 6.9 can 1 cup heavy cream; 1.6 cm 1/2 cup basil pesto; 6.5 inch Salt and pepper to taste; 7.2 pinch Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes - RecipeFund

By Michele Vega

November 14, 2025

5661 views

This recipe brings together the rich flavors of Italy in a creamy, comforting dish. The combination of fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto creates a symphony of tastes that is both satisfying and elegant. The dish is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. This recipe is customizable too, feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. The pesto adds a nutty, aromatic depth, while the sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy note, making this dish a balanced and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini) - 5.7 as needed
2 tablespoons olive oil - 6.0 bottle
2 cloves garlic, minced - 2.7 tsp
5 ounces fresh spinach - 4.0 fl oz
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped - 5.9 bottle
1 cup heavy cream - 6.9 can
1/2 cup basil pesto - 1.6 cm
Salt and pepper to taste - 6.5 inch
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional) - 7.2 pinch

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3

Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 6

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 7

Optionally, top with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.

# Braised # Family Dinner # Blender # Refreshing