Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and creamy pasta dish bursting with flavor. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta coated in a rich, golden-yellow sauce. The pasta strands are thick and evenly coated, twisted together in a neat nest shape. Scattered on top are pieces of dark green spinach leaves and small, deep red sun-dried tomato bits, along with a sprinkle of coarse black pepper that adds specks of black throughout the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the bright and warm colors of the pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Season the sauce by adding grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Allow the dish to sit for a minute so the flavors meld together. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal with family or friends.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the dish.
  • If you prefer a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor, but drain excess oil before chopping.
  • Add a splash of white wine when adding cream to deepen the sauce’s flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with one layer of spaghetti pasta coated in a creamy golden-yellow sauce, mixed evenly with bright green spinach leaves and scattered with small pieces of dark red sun-dried tomatoes. The dish is topped with a light sprinkling of cracked black pepper and tiny red chili flakes, adding texture and color contrast. The whole presentation sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will create a milder sauce. For best flavor, consider roasting the fresh tomatoes or adding a bit of tomato paste to intensify the taste.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, simply replace the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without compromising taste.

Print

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic. Topped with Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick, it’s a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Season the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Serve: Let the dish sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
  8. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful meal with family or friends!

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste, or rehydrate dry ones before chopping.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Fresh basil garnish adds brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: spaghetti recipe, spinach pasta, sun-dried tomato sauce, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner ideas

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