Looking for a meal that combines rich, vibrant flavors with the ease of minimal cleanup? One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach is exactly what you need. This recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and fresh spinach all tossed together with al dente penne pasta. It’s a quick, hearty dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in one pot—less mess, more flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a satisfying dish that’s both comforting and bright, this recipe hits all the right notes.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes this One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach a standout is its simplicity and depth of flavor. Unlike traditional pasta dishes that require multiple pots and pans, this recipe uses just one pot, making cooking and cleanup effortless. The sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, add a beautifully concentrated tanginess that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce created by Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Adding fresh spinach at the end not only brightens the dish but boosts its nutrition, while shredded cooked chicken makes it a complete meal packed with protein. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil delivers a subtle, savory backbone that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

This recipe is also versatile and forgiving. It’s easy to switch up the protein or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners. Plus, if you’ve ever tried a Spinach Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Penne, you’ll appreciate this streamlined, one-pot twist that’s just as flavorful but quicker to make.

Shopping List

12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream

Appliances & Accessories

Large deep skillet or wide saucepan with lid – for cooking everything in one pot.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir the pasta and sauce without scratching cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
Cheese grater – if grating Parmesan fresh.

Directions: One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by draining and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. Chop the fresh spinach roughly and shred the cooked chicken. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process seamless.

Step 2: Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Aromatics

Place your large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil to infuse the oil with flavor for about 30 seconds. This step builds a fragrant base for the pasta.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Chicken Broth, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot, then pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir everything together to combine. The broth will cook the pasta while the sun-dried tomatoes release their tangy, savory goodness.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth and soften during this time.

Step 5: Stir in Cooked Chicken and Spinach

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, add the shredded cooked chicken and chopped spinach. Stir thoroughly to combine. The spinach will wilt quickly from the residual heat, adding a nice pop of color and freshness.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Seasoning

Pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the pot. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want to add a touch more richness, you can refer to recipes like Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta for inspiration.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach is ready to serve! Dish it out immediately for the best creamy texture and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

Ingredient Flex Options

Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey, beef, or even shrimp instead of chicken to customize the dish.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra spinach or mushrooms for a plant-based meal.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before chopping.
Broth Alternatives: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor.

Learn from These Mistakes

Not stirring enough: Pasta can stick to the bottom if not stirred occasionally during cooking. Keep an eye and stir gently to prevent this.
Overcooking the pasta: Since you’re cooking the pasta in broth, it can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly. Check for doneness at 10 minutes and adjust as needed.
Using too much liquid: Too much broth can result in a soupy texture rather than a creamy sauce. Stick to the recommended 2 cups for balanced consistency.
Adding spinach too early: Spinach wilts quickly and can become mushy if added too soon. Add it at the end to maintain its bright color and texture.

Storing Tips & Timelines

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave to preserve the creamy texture. For best flavor and texture, consume within this timeframe.

This dish can also be frozen, though the spinach may lose some texture. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ask the Chef

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, swap the heavy cream for coconut or cashew cream, and opt for a vegan Parmesan alternative. This will keep the dish rich and flavorful while accommodating a vegan diet.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to promote even heating. Microwaving with a cover and stirring midway works well too.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach and shred the chicken up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when ready to cook for convenience.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free penne pasta variety and ensure the chicken broth you use is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a tasty option for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Similar Recipes

Spinach Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Penne – A similar flavor profile with a slightly different cooking method for those who want a change of pace.
Sun Dried Tomato Tuscan Chicken Penne – Packed with Tuscan-inspired herbs and creamy textures for an elevated meal.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta – A heartier variation using turkey sausage that’s perfect for sausage lovers.

Final Thoughts

The One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Penne with Spinach is a game-changer for busy cooks who crave bold, comforting flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Its vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach bring brightness, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds richness and satisfaction. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to different dietary needs and ingredient availability. Next time you’re short on time but want a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious simplicity of one-pot magic!

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