Spinach and sun-dried tomato pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with the freshness of spinach for a satisfying meal. This simple yet delicious pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of intense, tangy flavor, while the spinach adds a fresh, earthy note. Together, they create a well-balanced dish that’s both hearty and light.
To begin, cook your favorite pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a few cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which will infuse the oil with a warm, savory aroma. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes will also infuse the dish with extra flavor.
Once the sun-dried tomatoes are softened, add fresh spinach to the skillet. The spinach will wilt down quickly, creating a beautiful contrast of bright green against the deeper colors of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach wilts evenly, and then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat. You can also add a splash of pasta water to the skillet to help create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
When the pasta is ready, drain it and toss it in the skillet with the spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up. Stir the pasta until it’s evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. The Parmesan will melt into the dish, adding a creamy, salty richness that complements the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes.
This spinach and sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and comforting. The combination of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes offers a unique balance of flavors, making it a standout dish that will impress anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 100 grams pasta any type of your choice, such as spaghetti or penne
- 50 grams sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 100 grams fresh spinach washed and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
- optional parmesan cheese grated, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan, stirring continuously until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
This is so simple and delicious! I love pasta and spinach together. Five stars!!
Totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. So quick and yummy! 😊
Best pasta recipe I’ve tried! I added more garlic coz I love it. 😍
Ew, my pasta turned mushy 🤢. Maybe I cooked it too long? Any tips?
Yum! Who knew sun-dried tomatoes could make such a difference? I’ll make it again!
I totally agree! Sun-dried tomatoes add such a unique flavor. It’s one of my favorite pasta dishes now!
Seems simple enough, but can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried? Just curious!
I made this last night and my kids loved it! So easy and quick to make!
It’s okay, but I thought there would be more flavor. I added some red pepper flakes.
I totally get what you mean! It could use a bit more spice. Maybe try Italian seasoning next time?
This pasta dish is amazing! The flavors blend so well together. Definitely a keeper!
Not sure about the spinach and tomatoes, sounds a bit weird to me. But people seem to like it?
My grandma used to make a pasta like this but with more sauce! Bring back the sauce! 😂
It was okay, but I think it needed more flavor. I ended up adding some red pepper flakes.
Meh. I was skeptical about the spinach, but it surprisingly worked. Not a fan of the parmesan though.
Delicious! My husband loved it too. I added some chili flakes for a kick!
Too easy. I don’t see how this could be a recipe. I think something’s missing.
I forgot the garlic and it turned out fine. Makes me think you don’t need garlic to enjoy somthing. 🤷♂️
Definitely! Garlic isn’t everything. It’s all about how you balance the other flavors. 😊
I dunno, garlic makes everything better! Without it seems a bit bland. Just my thought! 🤔
This was AMAZING! I added some grilled chicken for extra protein, and it turned out perfect.
Yum! I made this for my family and they loved it. Spinach is my favorite!
That’s awesome! Spinach rocks! I love how easy this recipe is too. What did you serve it with?
Sounds good but I’ve never liked spinach. What if I used a different green like kale or broccoli? 🤔
I followed the recipe exactly, but my spinach got kinda mushy. Any tips for keeping it fresh?
Perfect for a quick dinner! I used whole wheat pasta and it turned out great. Will make again!
Too much spinach for my liking. I thought this would be more pasta focused. Disappointed. 😕
Meh. Garlic smelled good but the whole thing was kinda bland till I added extra pepper. Wouldn’t make again as-is.
I think garlic is overrated 🙄. It was okay, but I could still taste it too much.
I gotta disagree, garlic adds such a depth of flavor! Without it, this dish would be bland. You might be using too much or something? 🤔
Garlic doesn’t even taste THAT strong lol. Maybe try less garlic next time? But really, it’s a must in pasta! 🙌
This was okay, but I think it needed more seasoning. I added some chili flakes, and it was better.
Absolutely love this recipe! So easy and delicious. The sun-dried tomatoes give it a nice flavor boost! 😍
My kids loved it! I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes so used fresh ones instead.
This is my new go-to. Simple ingredients, big flavor. Would recommend to anyone who likes savory, not sweet.
Too much garlic for my taste. Made it hard to enjoy the dish! Maybe I’ll try with less next time.
I’m not a fan of spinach, but I tried this and surprisingly loved it! Will make again! 😍
Wow, that’s awesome! Spinach can be so delicious when cooked right! Glad you liked it! 😊
Didn’t have parmesan so I used cheddar. Works tho! Yum!
This was soooo good! I can’t believe how easy it was! Definitely a keeper!
I followed it exactly and it came out nice, but I wanted more sauce. Next time I’ll reserve some pasta water and add a splash when tossing. Still tasty though!
This dish was amazing! So simple yet so flavorful! I added some crushed red pepper for a kick. 🌶️
1 min garlic? Mine burned. I think my pan runs hotter. Also I didn’t have parmesan and it was still fine… just needed something.
Meh.
Meh? I don’t get it—spinach + sun-dried tomatoes is a solid combo. Garlic + olive oil does most of the flavor. Maybe you just needed more salt/pepper?
Fair 😅 I kinda felt the same—it’s good, but not super exciting. Maybe add some chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon next time?
Too salty for me. Make sure to reduce the salt if ya don’t want your mouth to pucker!
meh, was ok. the spinach taste was kinda watery, like i didnt squeeze it. still ate it tho.
1 minute garlic?? mine burned in like 30 seconds 😂 still ate it tho
Oh no 😂 garlic can go from fragrant to burnt FAST. I usually keep it on low-medium and watch like a hawk—30 sec panic sounds about right.
5 stars. Period.
Tried this with some penne but not a big fan of the taste. More cheese next time maybe?
Pretty good, but I think 2 cloves of garlic might be too much for some people. I used less and it still tasted great. Sauce is simple but satisfying.
Wasn’t sure about the garlic, thought it would be too much but it gave a good flavor! Easy recipe. 🙂
Really quick and easy! Perfect for weeknights. Will definitely make again. 👍
I followed the steps mostly, but I think I overcooked the garlic a tiny bit. Still tasted good, though—less bitter than I feared. Would recommend keeping an eye on it.
Good flavor, but I found it needed more salt than “to taste.” Also, my spinach released a ton of water, so I had to toss it longer to thicken the sauce.
I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes, so I used fresh ones. Still turned out okay, but not the same.
I love that it’s simple. My kid usually hates veggies, but spinach went down easy. Sun-dried tomatoes made it taste “fancy” without being hard.
Honestly, spinach and sun-dried tomato? Sounds weird…but it’s just pasta, right? Browned up some chicken with it, not bad.
Pretty solid for a weeknight meal. I added a splash of pasta water to help it coat, and I think next time I’ll do that again. Parmesan on top is mandatory lol.
Totally agree—this is such a good weeknight vibe. The pasta water trick is legit; it helps everything cling without needing extra oil. Parmesan on top = the finishing touch 😄
I was skeptical about only 2 cloves garlic, but wow. The flavor is there. Next time I’ll use extra pepper though.
2 cloves garlic always sounds too little to me too—glad it still hits! I’ll definitely bump up the pepper next time. Did you use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes or the dry kind?
Quick and simple! My kids actually ate spinach for once! 🤣 This is a keeper for sure.
Awesome! I love when kids actually eat their veggies. This recipe is a win!
I dunno, spinach? Is that really what kids want? Sounds sus to me.
Spinach? Really? Never thought I’d enjoy it, but here I am! 😅
I know, right? Spinach is like a superfood now! Glad you enjoyed it! 😄
But spinach?? It’s just a leaf… I don’t get the hype. 🤷♂️
Really solid weeknight pasta. I was skeptical about only olive oil for the “sauce,” but the spinach and tomatoes help a lot. Next time I might add chili flakes for a little kick.
Totally agree—olive oil + garlic can surprise you. I usually add a pinch of chili flakes too, makes it way more exciting. Great weeknight call!
This tasted like something I’d order at a café. I used dried spinach (oops—don’t do that) and it still sort of worked, but fresh spinach is definitely the move.
Not bad, but I’m not sure the spinach step needs “stirring continuously” for 2–3 minutes. Mine wilted fast and I accidentally overcooked it a bit. Flavor was good regardless.
I tried this and it just tasted salty. I may have forgotten to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, but the recipe says to drain—maybe I didn’t. Would make again if I’m careful with salt.
I forgot to drain the pasta super well and it came out a bit watery. Tasted fine though—next time I’ll drain longer. Parmesan on top saved it.
Ahh that happens! Draining longer really does make a difference—especially with fresh pasta water clinging to it. Parmesan is a great save though 😄 Next time maybe also toss it on the pan for a minute off the heat to help steam off extra moisture.
I was skeptical about the sun-dried tomatoes, but wow, they add a great flavor! Will make again.
Hmmm… “any type of pasta” is vague, like what even works best? Also, parmesan optional? It feels like it NEEDS it.
Totally get it—“any type” is just for flexibility. I’d say spaghetti, penne, or even fusilli all work great with the spinach/sun-dried tomatoes because they hold onto the sauce. And re: parmesan—it’s optional for serving, but it really does add a salty, nutty finish. Not strictly required, though. If you skip it, a little extra black pepper or even a splash of pasta water helps.
This is my new weeknight default. I used penne and added chili flakes—so good. The flavors are balanced and not heavy.
Totally agree—this feels like a perfect weeknight meal. I also love the penne + chili flakes combo; it really wakes everything up without making it heavy.
Good mix of flavors. My grandma makes a similar dish but adds chicken! Yum!
I followed it exactly and it was kinda bland. Maybe my parmesan was missing? The sauce just didn’t cling to the pasta as much as I wanted.
So good. Super quick and comfort food vibes. My kid actually ate it without complaining (rare!).
Super easy to make! Even my kids loved it. This is going into the regular rotation. 🙂
Is this even a recipe? Just some pasta and veggies. Not impressed.
Not gonna lie, it was kinda bland until I salted properly. Also the garlic burned for me at the 1-minute mark (medium heat was more like high on my stove). Reduce heat and watch it—then it’s better.
The instructions are good, but 100g spinach felt a bit low for me. It wilted fast, so the sauce looked thin. Still tasty though—just needs more spinach or a little more olive oil.
Not sure why people love sun-dried tomatoes so much. Mine were kinda chewy and salty, so the whole dish leaned salty. Maybe I need a different brand.
That totally makes sense—sun-dried tomatoes can be *very* salty and chewy depending on the brand (and whether they’re packed in oil). I’d try soaking them in warm water or broth for 10–15 minutes, then draining and patting dry before chopping. Also, go lighter on added salt since the tomatoes already bring the brine.
5 stars? Nah. I found it a little bland until I added extra pepper and salt. Also, my sun-dried tomatoes were super salty so I had to adjust.
Totally get it—sun-dried tomatoes can be way saltier depending on the brand. Glad you adjusted with extra pepper and salt (and maybe a little less additional salt next time). 5 stars might be generous, but the recipe is definitely a solid base!
Not bad, but I’m skeptical about ‘2-3 minutes’ for spinach—mine stayed kinda soggy. Maybe I chopped it too big? Still edible though.
This was just alright. I think I’ll stick with my regular spaghetti sauce next time.
Meh. It was okay. I’ve had better pasta before
This pasta was amazing! The flavors really came together. Definitely a keeper!
Made this tonight and it was super tasty—sun-dried tomatoes really pop. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it tasted restaurant-level.
This was AMAZING! I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes, so I used fresh instead. Still delicious!
I’m glad you loved it! Fresh tomatoes are a great substitute. I always say, cooking is all about what you have on hand! 😊
I dunno, this was kinda bland. Needed more spices or something.
Easy recipe. I made it for my kids and they liked it, but I felt like it needed something.
The ingredient ratios are solid, but I used pre-minced garlic and it burned slightly. Maybe try medium-low heat if your garlic isn’t fresh.
Huh, mine burned too and I thought it was the tomatoes? I did high heat like the instructions said medium though. Maybe “1 minute” is too long for some garlic. Next time I’ll try lower and watch it like a hawk 😅
Good call on the heat—garlic is so easy to scorch. I always do medium-low if I’m using jarred/minced garlic. Thanks for the tip!
2-3 minutes for spinach seems short—mine wasn’t fully wilted until more like 5. Also, I added parmesan from the start and it got kinda clumpy.
Yeah I think 2–3 minutes can be tight depending on how much spinach you use/how hot the pan is. I usually wait until it’s fully wilted and glossy, not just half-saggy. Also good call on the parmesan—mine clumps too if I add it too early, so I do it as a sprinkle off the heat.
The recipe says “any type of pasta,” but 100g is not much. I ended up with a small portion and had to stretch it with extra pasta. Flavor was ok.
Pretty good, but I think 1 minute for the garlic is a bit short if your garlic is chunky. Mine tasted slightly raw. Next time I’ll sauté a little longer and maybe add a pinch of chili flakes.
Easy weeknight meal! The garlic smell alone is worth it. I used penne and it held onto the sauce nicely. Will cook again for sure.
Yummy! My kids loved it! I added chicken to it for protein. Will make again!
1 minute garlic is too long for me—mine went a little burnt. I restarted and did it shorter. Flavor recovered, so overall okay.
Followed the recipe but my pasta turned out mushy. What did I do wrong? Help!
I’m not usually a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, but this balanced nicely. The steps are straightforward. I added more black pepper and it tasted restaurant-level.
Love hearing it still works even if you’re usually anti sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic + spinach combo is such a good balance—adding extra black pepper is totally the move.
Wait, is it really “restaurant-level” after just 6 steps? I tried sun-dried tomatoes once and they were way too salty… maybe I’ll try again with more pepper like you said.
I followed it closely, but my spinach took longer to wilt. Still ended up good though. The seasoning is key—don’t be shy with black pepper.
That’s exactly how it goes sometimes—spinach can be stubborn depending on how fresh/frozen it is. Love that you leaned into the black pepper too. 🙌
I’m skeptical about the 1 minute garlic sauté. Mine got a little browned and it tasted bitter. Maybe my pan runs hot.
I followed it pretty much exactly, but mine turned out kinda salty even though I “used to taste.” Still good, just be careful with the sun-dried tomatoes being salted.
Good call—sun-dried tomatoes can be *way* saltier than expected. Next time I’d use less (or even skip) the “salt to taste” step until you taste at the end, and maybe rinse the tomatoes if they’re packed in salty brine.
Loved the balance of flavors, but next time I’ll use a bit less garlic. Mine was a touch sharp. Still, the spinach wilted perfectly and the sauce clung nicely to the pasta.
I think I overcooked the spinach (my bad). It turned a bit dull and stringy. Flavor was still there, but texture wasn’t as nice. Maybe 1 minute next time.
I think 2–3 minutes might’ve been long if your spinach was already really wet. Maybe squeeze it dry a bit before tossing in? Also I always forget and overcook my greens 😅 but taste is still good.
Totally happens—spinach goes from perfect to stringy fast. Your “1 minute next time” idea sounds spot on. Next time I’d also add spinach off heat or keep the heat a touch lower so it wilts gently.
Not gonna lie, I forgot to drain the pasta properly and it turned watery. Flavor was okay, but texture was off.
Oh no—been there 😅 Watery pasta usually comes down to not draining well (or letting it sit). Next time try draining, then tossing the hot pasta in the pan for an extra minute to help it steam off moisture. Also, using a bigger colander/pot can help.
Honestly this is a solid weeknight meal. Super easy. I was lazy and used jar garlic, still turned out okay lol.
Too simple, not enough taste. I expected more from this dish.
Pasta good!
Sun-dried tomatoes always intimidate me, but this was easy. I used jarred ones and chopped them fine. Garlic aroma was amazing. Will make again.
Not bad. But I think it needs more sauce—like maybe a little cream or tomato paste. Right now it’s kind of dry even with tossing.
This pasta is heavenly! I added some grilled chicken and it turned out amazing. 5 stars!
1 minute garlic? mine burned. i dont know what medium heat means lol. still ate it tho.
I dunno, I dont think spinach and pasta go together. Seems weird. Maybe next time add chicken? 🍗
I think the spinach and pasta actually taste great together! Give it a shot before you judge. But chicken does sound good too! 😊
I dunno… it was alright, but I thought it would be better. Needs something extra.
I think you could add some lemon juice or crushed red pepper to spice it up! That might help.
This was super comforting and flavorful. The sun-dried tomatoes really make it taste “restaurant-y.” I added a tiny splash of pasta water and it loosened up perfectly.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be salty, so I ended up oversalting a bit. Other than that, great flavor and the timing is pretty easy. Would make again with less added salt.
Interesting! I kinda like it salty lol. But good call on adjusting. Also do you rinse the sun-dried tomatoes or just drain? I always forget and then my whole dish tastes like ocean.
Totally agree—sun-dried tomatoes can be sneaky salty. I usually rinse/chop and then add a lot less salt at the end. Still a really solid combo though!
Pretty tasty, though I had to add a splash of pasta water to make it feel less dry. Next time I’ll probably use a bit more spinach too.
Sun-dried tomatoes can be salty, so I went light on the salt—good call. Still, I think it could use a touch of chili flakes.
This is such a quick, cozy dinner. The sun-dried tomatoes really make it taste “fancy” for how little effort it is. I added a pinch of chili flakes too—10/10.
Yes!! The sun-dried tomatoes are doing the heavy lifting here. I also added a little lemon juice at the end and it totally brightened it up—so good for a busy night.
Quick and cozy, sure, but I found it needed more sauce. Also I think mine cooked too long because the spinach got kinda mushy. Next time I’ll use less time and maybe more olive oil/parmesan.
Super tasty and way easier than I expected. The garlic + sun-dried tomatoes combo is perfect with the spinach.
Too much garlic for my taste, but the spinach was nice. Probably won’t repeat.
Sun-dried tomatoes + spinach is a classic combo and this recipe nails it. I used penne and it clung nicely to the sauce.
Made this tonight and it was surprisingly quick and flavorful. The sun-dried tomatoes really pop. I used penne and finished with a generous hit of parmesan—perfect comfort food.
Quick yes, but I found it a bit bland without more sauce. Next time I’ll add a splash of pasta water and maybe some chili flakes. Parmesan saved it for me 😅
Just made this too—agree, the sun-dried tomatoes are the star. I swapped in whole wheat pasta and it still tasted great. Thanks!
Made this for my girlfriend and she loved it. Thanks for the recipe!