Healthy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach (No Cream!)

This Healthy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach is a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Made with fresh ingredients like Greek yogurt, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, this recipe offers all the deliciousness of a creamy pasta without any heavy cream. A great option for a nutritious and hearty dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting pasta without all the heaviness, this recipe is for you. The sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, savory flavor, while the spinach adds a healthy, fresh touch. With the combination of Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, you get a creamy texture without any cream, making it lighter and more nutritious. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp sun dried tomato oil (from the tomato jar)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/3 cup jarred sun dried tomatoes, chopped finely

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 2% fat

• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• 1/4 cup pasta water

• 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions.

2. In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic and tomatoes are soft and fragrant.

3. Add the tomato paste to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes to allow it to caramelize and deepen in flavor.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

5. Lower the heat and add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water. Stir until smooth and the cheese has fully melted.

6. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts completely.

7. Toss in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s thoroughly coated in the sauce.

8. Finish by stirring in the fresh basil and adding salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: To make the dish heartier, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey.

• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some extra heat.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute penne pasta with a gluten-free variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! If you’re concerned about the chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based meal.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make this pasta spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a spicy kick, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

While sun-dried tomatoes are key to the flavor profile of this dish, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes. However, they won’t offer the same rich, intense flavor.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt or even a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting too dry?

Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining. This will help loosen up the sauce when you toss the pasta in it.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

This pasta is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to substitute penne with any other type of pasta, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni.

How long does this pasta last in the fridge?

Leftover pasta will last for about 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Healthy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach is an easy, wholesome, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both light and creamy, with no heavy cream involved. With its rich taste, nutritional benefits, and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy this healthy, satisfying pasta that the whole family will love!