Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta 🍝🌱

This delightful pasta dish is bursting with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare! The combination of fresh spinach and succulent sun-dried tomatoes creates a vibrant meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a weekday dinner, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete feast! 🌿🍞

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 12 dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes
• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat and soak the sun-dried tomatoes in the broth for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and chop them coarsely.

🍅 Soaking the tomatoes in broth enhances their flavor and rehydrates them perfectly for the dish.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 9 to 12 minutes until al dente. Drain well.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts while stirring until they are lightly golden. This adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

4. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and tender.

5. Add the spinach into the skillet and cook until it’s almost wilted. Pour in the reserved broth and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.

6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the spinach and sun-dried tomato mixture, adding the toasted pine nuts. Toss until well combined and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

🌟 For a creamy twist, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving!

Variations

• Gluten-free: Swap the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. It cooks just as wonderfully and is a great alternative!
• Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Nut-free: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
• Protein-packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal that’s great for lunch prep!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table! 🍽️✨