Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup vegetable broth 
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts 
  • 1 clove garlic, minced 
  • 12 dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces 
  • 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked penne pasta 
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Directions:

1.  In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Remove from heat. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in the broth 15 minutes, or until softened. Drain, reserving broth, and coarsely chop. 

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place penne pasta in the pot, cook 9 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain. 

3.  Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir until lightly toasted. 

4.  Heat the olive oil and red pepper flakes in a skillet over medium heat, and saute the garlic 1 minute, until tender. Mix in the spinach, and cook until almost wilted. Pour in the reserved broth, and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking 2 minutes, or until heated through. 

5.  In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach and tomato mixture and pine nuts. Serve with Parmesan cheese. 

We created this simple Sicilian-style pasta dish one day when trying to use up some sun-dried tomatoes.