First Step: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Reserve up to 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Rinse pasta with cold water or toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Second Step: Prepare sun dried tomatoes and garlic. While pasta cooks, finely chop ½ cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil. Mince 4 cloves of garlic. These will form the flavor base of your dish.

Third Step: Cook the base sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sun dried tomatoes in some of their oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, ensuring not to burn the garlic.

Fourth Step: Make the roux and sauce. Push the tomato and garlic mixture to one side of the pan. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the empty side and let melt. Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, forming a roux to thicken the sauce.

Fifth Step: Season and add liquids. Add ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir well. Gradually whisk in 1¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth and 2 cups whole milk, cooking and stirring for several minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Sixth Step: Incorporate cheese and spinach. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 heaping cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add 2.5 ounces baby spinach leaves and gently stir until the spinach wilts.

Seventh Step: Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a perfect creamy consistency.

Final Step: Serve and garnish. Serve the sun dried tomato pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.