This post is sponsored by San Giorgio^® Pasta. All comments and opinions are my own.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is a savory, rich pasta mixing spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes, spinach and a creamy cheese sauce. You can add a protein like white beans, chickpeas chicken, steak or seafood to bulk up the meal. Top this delicious pasta with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley. 

    

CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA RECIPE

Pasta is a weekly occurrence in my house.

My kids and of course my husband and I love pasta dishes. We often rotate between dishes like this Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto Pasta with Green Bean Sun-dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts and today’s Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe. 

All of these dishes have one thing in common – they use sun dried tomatoes. I just adore sun dried tomatoes paired with pasta. It is a nice change from traditional tomato sauce recipes. 

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe uses San Giorgio^® Spaghetti.

Their pasta is made from simple, quality ingredients which is very important to me when I am feeding my family. It is the perfect pasta for today’s dish.

San Giorgio Pasta can be found in the pasta aisle at Giant Eagle (shop it here!).

They offer all kinds of options from linguine to spaghetti to fettuccine. 

I don’t know about you but pasta is something we prepare a lot and even share with our loved ones, like my parents.

We will invite them over for a delicious pasta meal paired with crusty bread, a glass of wine and a nice Lemon Arugula Salad. 

Pasta is a love language in and of itself, and that’s where San Giorgio shines most – delicious pasta & creative inspiration that send a message through strings of love. 

I remember when Mike and I visited Italy years ago and we saw so many families sitting around the table, laughing and enjoying a plate of pasta. It really brings people together and creates joy in them.

Cooking meals for my husband and the rest of my family has always been how I show love for them. It is truly my happy place.

Our entire family loves San Giorgio Spaghetti paired with this creamy, cheese based sauce, sun dried tomatoes and spinach.

It is so comforting and it has been a favorite in my house for years.

When I have this meal on the dinner table, my family knows it’s extra special and made with love.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA?

PASTA: Today’s pasta recipe uses San Giorgio spaghetti pasta but any of their varieties will work. I also really like using the fettuccine and linguine in this recipe. 

GARLIC: I use a good amount of garlic in this pasta dish. It adds great flavor but if garlic isn’t your thing you can use less. 

BROTH: Vegetable or chicken broth is part of the cream sauce. Another nice option is to use white wine in place of the broth. The wine will cook down as the pasta sauce simmers. 

CREAM: The heavy cream is what helps to create that creamy, cheese based sauce we all love so much.

You could also use milk but depending on how much fat is in the milk it will be a thinner sauce. For example, whole milk has more fat so that would be a better option than skim milk. 

SUN DRIED TOMATOES: The sun dried tomatoes are one of my favorite ingredients to add to pasta dishes. I love the sweet, tangy, and chewy texture.

They are also healthy and packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants. 

SPINACH: Spinach is optional but I really enjoy it paired with sun dried tomatoes. You can also use other greens like arugula which would be a great option. 

CHEESE: The Parmesan cheese helps to create the cheesy sauce.

You can also use mozzarella cheese in it’s place or even goat cheese. Both would be nice options with the sun dried tomatoes. 

SPICES & HERBS: Italian seasoning, paprika and crushed red pepper are the spices I added to this dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil are used at the end of the dish to brighten it.

PINE NUTS: Pine nuts are one of my favorite ways to finish off pasta dishes. This is an optional ingredients. I will often toast the pine nuts.

To do this just heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook until just toasted. You could also use silvered almonds, walnuts of pecans. 

HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA RECIPE?

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, then drain in the remaining water.

While the pasta cooks heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Slowly whisk the flour into the butter mixture until the flour starts to brown and bubble, about 1-2 minutes.

Whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and continue to cook for about 2 minutes, whisking the whole time.

Stir in the cream, sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika and red pepper flakes and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.

Stir in the parsley or basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add in the pasta and toss until the sauce and pasta are combined. If the sauce is too thick for your liking add some of the reserved cooking liquid slowly until you reach the desired consistency.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

   

HOW CAN I MODIFY THIS SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA?

PASTA SHAPE: I used San Giorgio Spaghetti in this recipe but it works great with any of their pasta shapes. I especially like the linguine and fettuccine. 

PROTEIN: There are a lot of options if you want to add a protein to this dish. I enjoy seafood like shrimp or salmon. Grilled chicken or steak are also nice additions.

For a plant-based option add some beans like white beans or chickpeas.

CHEESE: I created the cream sauce with shredded Parmesan cheese. Other options that work really well are shredded mozzarella cheese or crumbled goat cheese. 

VEGETABLES: Vegetables are another nice option to add to this pasta. Some that I especially like are green beans, zucchini, broccoli and bell peppers.