Introduction
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features tender spaghetti coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly balanced with the bold, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations
- Add Protein – If you’d like to add a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu can be tossed in at the end. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with these additions, making the dish heartier.
- Make it Spicy – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil will enhance the flavors with a slight kick. This works particularly well if you love a bit of heat in your pasta.
- Swap the Pasta – While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use fettuccine for a thicker, silkier bite, or even penne for a more fork-friendly meal. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can add extra fiber and protein.
Cooking Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Garlic Bread – A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up any extra sauce. For added flavor, brush the bread with a bit of melted butter mixed with garlic and Italian herbs.
- Serve with a Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. The acidity of the dressing helps balance the creamy sauce.
- Top with Nuts or Cheese – For added texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the pasta before serving. If you love extra cheesiness, freshly shaved Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese can elevate the flavors even further.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer more flavor and a softer texture than dry-packed ones. If using dry-packed tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before chopping.
- Use Fresh Spinach Over Frozen – Fresh spinach wilts quickly and blends smoothly into the sauce. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to prevent a watery sauce.
- Let the Sauce Rest – After mixing the pasta with the sauce, let it sit for a minute before serving. This helps the spaghetti absorb the flavors, creating a more cohesive and well-balanced dish.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to bring back its creamy consistency. - Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative like cashew cream or oat milk. Keep in mind that coconut milk will add a slight coconut flavor, but it pairs well with the sun-dried tomatoes. - What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water, stirring constantly until you reach your desired consistency. If you forgot to save pasta water, warm milk or broth works as a good alternative. - Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. This dish is best reheated on the stovetop over low heat rather than in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Its creamy, cheesy texture paired with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach makes it a crowd-pleaser for any pasta lover. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to customize and pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a crisp salad. Try it out and make it your own by experimenting with different proteins, spice levels, or pasta types. Enjoy! 🍝✨
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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This easy-to-make recipe features tender spaghetti coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly balanced with the bold, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: spaghetti, sun-dried tomato pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner