If you’ve been looking for a comforting pasta dish that’s full of flavor but still easy to make, then this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is your new go-to recipe. Picture tender spaghetti swirled in a creamy, tangy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a handful of fresh spinach. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with layers of savory goodness. Trust me, this one’s going to be a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe combines two of the best things in life—pasta and creamy sauces—and adds a burst of flavor with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, with ingredients that are easy to find. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce adds a little bit of luxury to your usual pasta dinner, making it feel like something special. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your cravings but light enough for those nights when you don’t want anything too heavy. Plus, the spinach gives it a nice pop of color and freshness!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. I won’t give you the full list here, but here’s a peek at some of the key players:
- Spaghetti
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
You’ll find the full ingredient list below, but these simple staples come together to make something absolutely delicious.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help release all those delicious flavors from the tomatoes.
Step 3: Add the Cream and Spinach
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt down into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Continue tossing until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once everything is combined and heated through, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Serve immediately, garnishing with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Don’t discard the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes—it adds extra flavor to the sauce! You can even use some of that oil to sauté the garlic.
- Add Protein: If you want to make this a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan cheese for the topping.
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining your spaghetti. This starchy water helps to thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta, making it even creamier.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, you could swap it out for other greens like kale, arugula, or even fresh basil.
- No Heavy Cream?: You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce. It will still be creamy, just a little less rich.
- Add Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to add even more depth of flavor to the sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad—think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar salad. For an even more indulgent meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or crusty baguette slices to mop up any leftover creamy sauce. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would complement the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but you can add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and stir in a little milk or cream until the sauce is nice and creamy again. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and then combine and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Of course! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute any type of pasta you like—penne, fettuccine, or farfalle would all be delicious options.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, you can still freeze the pasta. The texture of the sauce might change, but it should still be tasty.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is an absolute winner for any pasta lover. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying, yet it doesn’t take long to prepare. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a casual family meal, this pasta is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy the comforting taste of pasta with a delicious, creamy twist!
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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Pasta You’ll Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy richness, while the fresh spinach balances it out with a pop of color and freshness. Paired with a smooth cream sauce, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It’s quick, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside. - Make the sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes. - Add cream and spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt down, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine pasta and sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water if needed to help thin out the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well-coated. - Serve
Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.
Notes
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this dish heartier.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
- This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg