One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta at the Table

a bowl of one pot sun-dried tomato pasta topped with pine nuts

This one pot sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is absolutely divine! We love the rich flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes that make the pasta sauce oh-so-lively. It’s a flavor symphony that will have you savoring every delightful bite. Brace yourself for a pasta experience that’s nothing short of heavenly!

What are sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are memorable! Their flavor is more potent than fresh tomatoes, and it has tons of umami. If you aren’t familiar, umami is the fifth element of taste located at the center of your tongue. It is a category of extra savory flavors!

These tomatoes have been dehydrated, either in the sun (as their name implies) or in an oven. This dehydration process concentrates the flavor of the tomatoes. The tomatoes can lose up to 90% of their weight during the process, packing the flavor into each bite! They have a sweet flavor with a gentle tang.

Sun-dried tomatoes can come stored in two forms: in oil or dry. The main difference between the two is the texture before you cook them. The dry sun-dried tomatoes tend to be chewier because there is nothing to add hydration. When you are cooking sun-dried tomatoes, it doesn’t matter which type you choose because there is an element of hydration!

Since we are essentially hydrating the tomatoes while the pasta cooks, you can use either dry or in oil.

pot of penne with spinach, garlic, and marinara

Are sun-dried tomatoes good for you?

Sun-dried tomatoes aren’t just a burst of flavor; they bring a nutritional punch to the table. Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and protein, they add a healthy boost to your meal.

However, it’s worth noting that they can be high in sodium due to the salt used in the drying process. So, while enjoying their deliciousness, it’s wise to keep an eye on your overall sodium intake. Balance is the key to savoring both the taste and health benefits!

How to make our one pot sun-dried tomato pasta

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add dried penne pasta. Next add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and marinara sauce.
Pour in the broth and sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs on top.
Bring the pot up to a boil and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al-dente.
Add in the heavy cream and parmesan and mix it together until the silky sauce comes together.
Serve immediately with some pine nuts for garnish!

pot of sun dried tomato pasta being stirred with a spoon

What kind of pasta to use for this one pot pasta recipe

Personally, we love penne pasta for this sun-dried tomato pasta. The sauce is thick and silky, and the tube-shaped pasta is a great vessel for it!

Other types of pasta that would work well with this sauce are:

Gemelli is a great pasta for a silky tomato sauce. It is a twisted pasta that has lots of little crevices – reliable for picking up sauce!
Rotini is another awesome pasta shape. Similar to gemelli pasta, rotini noodles are a spiral shape!
Bowtie pasta is also a wonderful shape to go along with this sauce. The shape and size is similar to the tomatoes, making for a ton of perfectly balanced bites!

Why we love one pot pasta recipes

One pot pasta is our bread and butter here at Ayyem. We have countless recipes like one pot hummus pasta, pasta e fagioli, and even from-scratch Spaghetti O’s. . We love this low-mess, hands-off method of cooking pasta for so many reasons. Sure, you can cook your pasta noodles in salted water and make your sauce separately, but why add the extra steps and dishes?!

A main benefit of one pot pasta is a part of its name – you only need to use a single pot! This means less time cleaning up after dinner and more time for you and/or your family. It also means less time cooking since you are cooking your sauce and your pasta at the exact same time.

If we haven’t sold you on one pot pasta, then get ready! We have more great news about this memorable cooking method. One pot pasta also helps to add an extra level of flavor to your dish.

When pasta noodles cook, they absorb the liquid they’re cooking in. Typically that is just salted water. When you cook pasta with the sauce ingredients, it absorbs all those flavors! Because of that, you end up with an extra tasty pasta dish.

For more one pot pasta recipes you are going to love, check out our one pot pasta recipe round up.

How to store one pot sun-dried tomato pasta

This sun-dried tomato pasta makes for the finest leftovers! Store whatever you have leftover in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The finest way to reheat this pasta is in a small stock pot on the stove. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help rehydrate the pasta as you reheat it. You can also do this in the microwave!

Common Questions about One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

What makes sun-dried tomato pasta so good?

Sun-dried tomatoes pack an incredible concentrated tomato flavor that’s both sweet and tangy at the same time! When you cook them in a one-pot pasta, they infuse the entire dish with their rich taste and create a beautiful red-orange sauce. Plus, the intense umami punch they provide means you can create restaurant-quality pasta with minimal effort.

Can you cook pasta in sauce instead of water?

Yes, you absolutely can cook pasta directly in sauce, and that’s exactly what makes one-pot pasta so magical! The pasta releases starch as it cooks, naturally thickening the sauce while absorbing all those memorable flavors. Just make sure to add enough liquid to cook the pasta properly, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How do you keep one-pot pasta from getting mushy?

The key to reliable one-pot pasta is keeping a close eye on it and testing frequently as you approach the end of cooking time! Start checking about 2 minutes before the package cooking time, and remember that it will continue to absorb liquid after you take it off the heat. Also, using high-quality pasta that holds its shape better can make a big difference.

Is one-pot pasta actually good?

One-pot pasta isn’t just good — it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights! The flavor is often better than traditional methods because the pasta absorbs all the seasoning as it cooks. Plus, you’ll love having only one pot to wash afterward instead of separate pots for pasta and sauce.

More one pot pasta recipes

Fresh and flavorful One Pot Tomato and Spinach Pasta is reliable for summer or all year round! You can also check out our roundup of our absolute fave one-pot recipes.

bowl of sun dried tomato pasta with pine nuts

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins

This silky one‑pot sun‑dried tomato pasta whips up in just 14 minutes, combining penne, spinach, garlic, marinara, broth, cream, and Parmesan into a rich, umami‑packed sauce finished with a crunchy pine‑nut garnish Email

Ingredients

1 pound dried penne
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup chopped and drained sun-dried tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
1 cup good quality marinara sauce
4 cups broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts optional

Instructions

In a large pot or dutch oven, add dried penne pasta. Next add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and marinara sauce.1 pound dried penne, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/4 cup chopped and drained sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup good quality marinara sauce
Pour in the broth and sprinkle salt, pepper and herbs on top.4 cups broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Bring the pot up to a boil and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al-dente.
Add in the heavy cream and parmesan and mix it together until the silky sauce comes together.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Serve immediately with some pine nuts for garnish!1/4 cup pine nuts