There are few dishes that feel as effortlessly elegant and soul-warming as Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This recipe is pure comfort: velvety, rich, and loaded with color and flavor from sweet sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to whip up after a long day, yet it is special enough to serve to guests. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s become a personal favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique touch—whether it’s creaminess, brightness, or a savory punch—that together creates irresistible harmony on the plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing.
- Spaghetti: The perfect canvas for our creamy, flavor-packed sauce—long strands that cling to every drop!
- Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin variety for the base, adding a subtle, fruity aroma to the dish.
- Garlic: Its aroma kickstarts the sauce and infuses it with classic Italian flair.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch livens up the creamy sauce with gentle heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These gems are loaded with intense, sweet-tangy flavor—don’t forget to drain and chop them for even distribution.
- Fresh Spinach: Chopped and wilted into the sauce, spinach brings color and gentle earthiness to every twirl.
- Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce, creating that irresistibly smooth, dreamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty, it thickens and flavors the sauce perfectly—always freshly grated for the best results.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance—season to taste as you go.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Set a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s deliciously al dente. Before draining, be sure to scoop out about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water—it works wonders for bringing your creamy sauce together later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you’re feeling spicy. Let them sizzle for about a minute; your kitchen will instantly smell incredible.
Step 3: Sun-Dried Tomato Brilliance
Next, add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook them for a minute or so, allowing them to soften and release that signature sweet-savory kick that defines Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Pile in the chopped spinach. Stir and cook until it wilts down into a brilliant green tangle, filling each bite with mild, fresh flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 5: Creamy Dreamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in your Parmesan cheese, then add the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly—it should coat a spoon but still be luscious.
Step 6: Season and Combine
Taste your sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Toss in the drained spaghetti and toss everything together so those noodles are enveloped in creamy goodness. Dinner is ready to go!
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is a must for that irresistible salty finish. Add a few freshly cracked black pepper grinds and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten the plate even more.
Side Dishes
Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce alongside a crisp mixed green salad or some classic garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water makes it feel like a true Italian trattoria at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Twirl the pasta into glossy nests with tongs for a restaurant-worthy swirl on each plate. For a pop of color, fan a few extra sun-dried tomatoes over the top or tuck in a few baby spinach leaves before serving. Little details turn dinner into a memorable event!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more tempting!
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Store it in a tightly sealed container. When defrosted, the sauce may separate a little, but a good stir over gentle heat will bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, use a nonstick skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until everything is hot and creamy again. If using the microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any long pasta—like linguine or fettuccine—pairs well with the creamy sauce, but even short pasta shapes like penne work beautifully if you’re in the mood to mix things up.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! To make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce a little lighter, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a combination of milk and a bit of cream. The sauce will still be delicious, just a touch less rich.
What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp both make excellent additions, instantly turning this dish into a more filling main. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it with the pasta right at the end.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try roasting cherry tomatoes in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt until caramelized and slightly chewy. They’ll bring a similar sweetness and depth to your sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Of course! Pick your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written—no other adjustments needed. The Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is just as satisfying when made gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you love quick and comforting meals bursting with color and flavor, you owe it to yourself to try Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s a dish that brings people to the table, sparks conversation, and satisfies every creamy pasta craving you could imagine. Enjoy every twirl!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
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