If you have yet to try this vibrant and comforting pasta, you are in for a treat with the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender spaghetti noodles smothered in a luscious, velvety cream sauce, enriched with the intense tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, earthy goodness of spinach. It is the kind of recipe that feels luxurious yet comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends and family. Every bite bursts with flavor and color, creating a beautiful balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the dish’s incredible taste and texture. From the luscious cream to the savory Parmesan and the bright, vibrant greens, every component shines on its own and works harmoniously together.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The classic base that holds all the creamy goodness and tender spinach perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and a perfect skillet base for sautéeing the garlic and tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): Brings an intense, slightly sweet, and tangy bite that defines this sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who enjoy a little heat.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding freshness and a lovely green hue.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the creamy, silky texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty richness to round out the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough bite to awaken the palate.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce gently and help it cling beautifully to each spaghetti strand.
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish: Brings a pop of color and extra flavor that finishes the dish with elegance.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling a generous pot of salted water, which will flavor the noodles from the inside out as they cook. Add your spaghetti and cook it until just al dente, tender but with a slight bite to keep the perfect texture when tossed in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining – it’s a secret weapon for the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until gorgeous and fragrant, releasing that mouthwatering aroma that makes your kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the optional red pepper flakes. Cooking these together infuses the oil with deep tomato flavor and a hint of spice, setting the stage for a sauce bursting with character.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach right into the skillet. Stir it continuously as it quickly wilts down, transforming from bright and crisp to tender and fragrant in about two minutes. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy note and vibrant color, perfectly complementing the richness of the cream and the tang of the tomatoes.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens; the cream begins to thicken slightly, absorbing the flavors of the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts smoothly, enriching the sauce while adding a savory edge. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavors to your liking. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, achieving that silky, luxurious texture that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your perfectly cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, folding it gently into the cream sauce. If the sauce feels too thick or clings too heavily, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps create a sauce that’s creamy yet light enough to envelop each spaghetti strand without overpowering it. Give everything one last toss and ensure each bite promises that luscious balance of cream, tang, and spinach freshness.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, sprinkle fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan cheese on top. This simple garnish adds a burst of color and that garden-fresh aroma, elevating the dish’s visual appeal and flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add an irresistible sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Their fresh, light profiles provide contrast and ensure that the meal feels balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to contain the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also twirl small nests of spaghetti onto each plate using tongs for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes on top can introduce exciting texture and flavor variation, perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen when chilled, but make sure to gently reheat to maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.
Freezing
Although this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze portions if necessary. Place cooled pasta and sauce in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Microwaving works too, but stir occasionally to heat evenly and keep that dreamy sauce perfectly smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and ideal for this recipe, feel free to experiment with penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce clings wonderfully to most pasta shapes, so choose your favorite.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a rich coconut cream or cashew cream and replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast. Using olive oil patties and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor without dairy.
How spicy is this pasta with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but are completely optional, so you can adjust or omit them based on your spice tolerance. The dish shines beautifully with or without the hint of heat.
Can I add protein to this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent additions to boost protein content and add variety. Just cook separately and toss in at the final stage for a perfect dinner.
What is the best way to store leftover sauce separately?
If you want to save sauce alone, store it in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, warm gently and add reserved pasta water or cream to revive its original silky texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe your next comforting yet sophisticated dinner. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal but special enough to impress your loved ones. Once you try it, this dish might just become one of your favorite go-to pasta recipes, offering that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delightful forkful!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired spaghetti dish featuring a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This vegetarian pasta recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set spaghetti aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook sun-dried tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss spaghetti in the sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to combine and coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the dish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- This dish reheats well; simply add a splash of milk or cream when warming up to restore creaminess.
