Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. This recipe blends tender spaghetti with a creamy sauce accented by sweet sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests. It’s simple yet satisfying and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 450
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg

Why Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is not only packed with flavor, but it also offers a nutritional boost from the fresh spinach and wholesome ingredients. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, adding a vibrant touch to your meal. Additionally, this dish can be easily tailored to suit dietary preferences by incorporating your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s perfect for those who want a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Step by Step

Ingredients

Spaghetti: 12 oz (340g) – Tender pasta strands that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g), chopped – Provides concentrated sweetness and umami flavor.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) – Creates a rich, luscious sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), grated – Adds a nutty, salty element and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh Spinach: 4 cups (120g) – Adds color, texture, and a fresh, vibrant taste.
Salt: 1 teaspoon – Enhances all flavors.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds mild heat and depth.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional – Adds a subtle kick if desired.
Pasta Water: 1/4 cup – To adjust sauce consistency and help coat pasta evenly.

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Toss in fresh spinach and cooked spaghetti, stirring until the spinach wilts and pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Plate immediately, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

For a complete meal, serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A loaf of crusty garlic bread would also complement this pasta dish beautifully. For a special touch, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

How to Store Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

To store leftovers, place any uneaten spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. While freezing isn’t recommended for the best texture, if necessary, you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Cooking Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• For extra flavor, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in place of olive oil.
• Make this dish vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less pasta water as needed.
• Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• If you enjoy spice, consider doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Delicious Variations of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
2. Herbed Delight: Toss in chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
3. Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving for a bright, zesty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti will work wonderfully and add extra fiber to your meal.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce invites you to experience an explosion of flavors in each bite. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dish makes weeknight dinners simple and enjoyable. Give it a try, and you’ll be delighted by its creamy texture and rich taste!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

A delightful dish blending tender spaghetti with a creamy sauce accented by sweet sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti Tender pasta strands that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped Provides concentrated sweetness and umami flavor.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a rich, luscious sauce.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds a nutty, salty element and helps thicken the sauce.
• 4 cups Fresh Spinach Adds color, texture, and a fresh, vibrant taste.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances all flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds mild heat and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, optional Adds a subtle kick if desired.
• 1/4 cup Pasta Water To adjust sauce consistency and help coat pasta evenly.

Instructions

 

Cooking

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti.
• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
• Toss in fresh spinach and cooked spaghetti, stirring until the spinach wilts and pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Plate immediately, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in place of olive oil. Make this dish vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less pasta water as needed. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition. If you enjoy spice, consider doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Keyword Cream Sauce, Easy Recipe, Spaghetti, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Veggies