Description
Mediterranean sun-dried tomato pasta brings zesty flavors from Italy’s coastal kitchens, blending rich tomatoes and fragrant herbs. Quick and elegant, this dish offers a delightful culinary escape you can savor in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) sun-dried tomatoes
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (33 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon (4 grams) flour
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly tender with a slight bite, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In a skillet, gently melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour and minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to create a light roux.
- Pour in white wine, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic Italian seasoning, whisking to combine and allow the liquid to reduce by half.
- Fold sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream into the sauce, letting it simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and rich texture.
- Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce, allowing them to gently wilt and release their vibrant green color.
- Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water, and combine with the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency if needed.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, serving immediately while hot and luxuriously creamy.
Notes
- Create a silky, luxurious sauce by gradually whisking ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
- Balance the intense sun-dried tomato flavor by adding a splash of pasta water, which helps mellow the sauce and provides perfect pasta coating.
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version, maintaining the rich, creamy texture.
- Elevate the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a more substantial meal that satisfies different nutritional preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg