One-Pan Penne with Creamy Sun- Dried Tomato Sauce

If you think lower carb eating means no more pasta, think again! This one-pan Penne with Artichokes, Spinach, and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is made with Modern Table's lentil-based pasta. It's packed with plant protein, so it's a healthier, lower-glycemic way to enjoy one of your favorite meals. And - it's on the table in less than 30 minutes flat!

Before I made the switch to a lower carb diet, I used to eat pasta fairly regularly. It's such a quick and easy meal that requires minimal effort, and you can do all sorts of things with. Plus, there are leftovers which means a night off from cooking! And of course, there are Italian restaurants...

I admit, I don't make pasta at home very often anymore. I still love the taste and convenience, but I feel better when I eat foods that have more protein. Not only do they fill me up and hold me longer, but they're also better for my cholesterol and blood sugar.

Lower glycemic pasta has certainly come a long way, but most aren't quite like what you're used to. So, friend, I'm gonna share a secret. I found a GREAT tasting lentil-based pasta that works! It tastes great, and it's higher in protein.

Penne with Artichokes Spinach and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

Modern Table pastas are for those looking for a healthy lifestyle, and a perfect way to get more nutrition from your meals — a blend of nutrition, with the texture of tradition.

Whether you need to eat gluten-free, or you're trying to choose foods that are lower in carbs and higher in protein, this pasta won't disappoint. It's made with just 3, gluten-free, non-GMO (and vegan) ingredients. All of their pastas are lentil-based and contain complete proteins - meaning they have the 9 essential amino acids our bodies need for strong energy, good digestion, and muscle health.

Penne with Artichokes Spinach and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

There is seriously nothing better than a one-pan pasta recipe that's actually good for you. AmIRight?? I used Modern Table's penne pasta in this recipe and it worked like a charm. Quick-cooking, just the right amount of "bite" to the pasta, and delicious taste.

This one-pan pasta is not only ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it's also a creamy, rich and delicious meal that's special enough for guests.

One Pan Penne with Artichokes Spinach and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

Genius Pasta Cooking Tip:

Did you know there's a "rule" for making one-pan pasta?

  • Saute your onions, garlic, meat, and any veggies that need cooking
  • Add 2 ½ cups of liquid (broth or water)
  • Add 8 oz of dry pasta
  • Cover, cook, and eat

As long as you stick to that 8oz of dry pasta to 2 ½ cups of liquid, you don't have to cook your pasta ahead of time and then add it to your sauce.

Crazy, right? You're welcome. Try this with any pasta, veggie, meat combination and let me know what you think.

One Pan Penne with Artichokes Spinach and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

One-Pan Penne with Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

Confession: I'm almost through with "Dry and Sugar-free January" and wanted needed something that was rich, creamy, luscious. Soooo I added heavy cream and cheese to this recipe. If you're not feeling luscious, or you want to keep it more plant-based, you can skip those, and sub the chicken stock for vegetable stock and this recipe is still really good.

Recipe

One Pan Penne with Artichokes Spinach and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce | Craving Something Healthy

One Pan Penne with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

A quick, easy, and protein-packed meal that's ready in under 30 minutes!
3.67 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 389kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium onion minced
  • 3 medium garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes with Italian herbs, in oil drained
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 8 oz Modern Table penne pasta
  • 1 14 ounce can quartered artichoke hearts (in water, not marinated) drain and remove any tough outer pieces
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  • fresh sliced basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Saute the onions and garlic until the onions are translucent.
  • While the onions and garlic saute, place the drained sun-dried tomatoes and chicken stock into a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Add the tomato-chicken stock mixture to the pan with the onions and garlic. Bring it to a boil.
  • Add the pasta, and return the sauce to a boil. Cover and let cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir the pasta, and add the artichoke hearts and spinach. Cover again and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Check it to make sure it's al dente and you don't overcook it.
  • When the pasta is cooked, add the cream and feta cheese. Stir to combine and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sliced basil, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 848mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1785IU | Vitamin C: 11.3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2.8mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag me @CravingSomethingHealthy!

Have you ever made a one-pan pasta dish?

Eat well!

4 Comments

  1. Hello!
    I made this recipe tonight for dinner. I found the pasta did not cook in the time mentioned in the recipe. I was so afraid of not overcooking the pasta. The next time I will add more broth and cook the pasta longer. My husband loved the flavors and asked if I could add red pepper flakes the next time to add a kick!

    1. Hi Jan! I'm glad your husband liked it! And yes to red pepper flakes! I always taste the pasta before taking it off the heat because each type of pasta cooks a bit differently. If it needs extra time, I would do exactly as you said - add a little extra liquid until the pasta is done. I always find these one pan pastas thicken up as they cool so it's OK to have more liquid.

  2. Pasta is one of the dishes I miss after saying goodbye to gluten. I've known there are alternatives but I really haven't given any a fair try. Now this recipe looks like one I could get behind! I'm going to find this pasta in the grocery store today and you can be sure I'll be smiling later on with a warm bowl of pasta for dinner.

    1. Hi Holly,
      I just found your comment in my spam folder so apologies for not posting it earlier. I really liked this brand of pasta and hope you do too! Thanks for your comment 🙂

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