CREAMY SUN-DRIED TOMATO & SPINACH PASTA

You have me at ‘pasta’, anytime…any day…any way.   

Here’s another delicious 30 minute meal for those crazy busy days.  It also doesn’t hurt that this simple dish is made up of just a few ingredients.  Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for the full meal deal. 

Serves 4-5 people

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz of your favorite pasta

• 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

• 6 cloves minced garlic

• 1 3/4 cups half-and-half cream

• 1 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt (or more to taste preference)

• 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper

• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes

• 7 cups chopped spinach

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

DIRECTIONS:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.

• While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes minced garlic & chili flakes. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute, constantly stirring.

• Add half and half cream, paprika, and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat.

• Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts. If the sauce is too thin, gradually add more cheese. If it’s too thick, add more cream.

• Add spinach and stir for a minute or two over medium heat until the spinach wilts.

• Add cooked and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss well.

• Adjust seasoning if needed.

• Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil leaves and Parmesan shavings.