Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously rich and vibrant dish that brings together the classic Italian flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a luxurious cream sauce. With the right amount of tang and depth from the tomatoes, combined with the earthiness of spinach, this meal is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There’s something truly comforting about creamy pasta, and this dish hits all the right notes:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
• Balanced Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes add an intense, tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the cream.
• Nutritious Spinach: Fresh spinach adds both color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
• Versatile Base: This recipe can easily be customized with added proteins or extra vegetables.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this decadent yet surprisingly simple pasta dish.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti: You can use any pasta, but spaghetti or linguine work best to catch the creamy sauce.

Sauce Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and flavor, especially if you use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.

Key Flavor Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil and chopped; these are the star of the sauce, bringing intense flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a robust, aromatic base.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of heat, which is optional but highly recommended for depth.

Creamy Elements

• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides a luxurious texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, thickening it and adding a savory depth.

Vegetables

• 4 cups fresh spinach: About 4 oz, this adds color, nutrition, and balances the richness of the cream sauce.

Seasonings

• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste.

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley: Adds color and a refreshing finish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, consider using a bit of that oil for extra flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes soften slightly.
2. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the cream. This will thicken the sauce slightly. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Pasta

1. Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts. This should take about 1–2 minutes.
2. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.

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

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies on a few simple ingredients, high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and good Parmesan cheese make a difference.
2. Don’t Skip the Reserved Pasta Water: The starch in the pasta water can help emulsify the sauce, creating a glossy texture that clings to the noodles.
3. Adjust Consistency: The creaminess of the sauce is up to your preference. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or for an even richer sauce, add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan both contain salt, so taste your sauce before adding additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
5. Variations: Feel free to add a handful of mushrooms, some roasted red peppers, or even a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Variations to Try

• Add Protein: Grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage make great additions for added protein.
• Switch Up the Greens: Substitute spinach with arugula, kale, or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Use Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is classic, penne, fettuccine, or bow-tie pasta will also work beautifully with this sauce.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Alternatively, mix Greek yogurt with a little milk as a lower-calorie creamy option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Here are a few other great pairings:

• Crusty Bread: To soak up the extra sauce, a slice of crusty bread or a piece of garlic toast is perfect.
• Fresh Side Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors in this dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s texture. Microwave reheating works too, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce and fresh spinach. It’s versatile enough to be a main course or a side, and the recipe can easily be customized to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the ease of bringing a restaurant-quality meal to your home table!