If you’re after a meal that feels both indulgent and wonderfully fresh, the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. This dish balances the silky richness of a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with the vibrant brightness of fresh spinach, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting, satisfying bite. It’s quick to prepare yet delivers a gourmet feel that will impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this vibrant and hearty pasta. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender spinach adding a pop of green and freshness to the luscious cream and Parmesan that create the sauce’s silky texture and depth of flavor.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect canvas for soaking up that creamy, tangy sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a lovely leafy texture and boosts the dish with healthy greens.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Their intense sweetness and chewiness make the sauce unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings velvety richness that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty undertones to enhance every bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that awakens all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For gently cooking the garlic and spinach, adding smoothness and depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to tie everything together.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a little bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden, which should take about a minute; this step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and forms the flavor base of the sauce.
Step 3: Wilt Spinach and Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next, add the fresh spinach right into the skillet so it gently wilts down, releasing a bit of moisture and softening perfectly. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes alongside, stirring well to combine their concentrated sweetness with the garlicky oil.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming luxuriously creamy and coating the spinach and tomatoes in a luscious layer of flavor.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste here—this final seasoning step brings out the best in every ingredient.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe piping hot straight from the pan. The warmth invites you to dive right in, and the combination of flavors and textures makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a gorgeous final flourish and enhance the flavor profile perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or some garlic bread to help scoop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also complement the dish with their earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve this dish in small bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for a bright citrus note that cuts through the creaminess. You can also create individual pasta nests on the plate and garnish each with a sun-dried tomato or a small spinach leaf for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach might change slightly after freezing, but the sauce and pasta hold up wonderfully.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Stir frequently until heated through to maintain the creamy texture and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for this recipe because it wilts nicely and provides a fresh, vibrant color and taste. Dried spinach lacks moisture and texture, so it won’t give the same lovely effect.
Are sun-dried tomatoes always dry, or can I use jarred ones?
You can definitely use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil; just drain them well before chopping. They tend to be softer and impart even more flavor, which works beautifully in this cream sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to achieve a similar creamy, cheesy finish.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Spaghetti works perfectly in this recipe, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or any long, thin pasta that can hold onto the sauce well.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and makes for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce together to keep all the flavors infused.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout comfort meal with a fresh twist. It’s easy to prepare but packed with vibrant flavors and textures that make every bite memorable. I can promise once you try it, this recipe will become one of your cherished go-tos for busy weeknights or whenever you want a little homemade indulgence.
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender spaghetti with a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Oils
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma and flavor into the oil.
- Cook spinach and sun-dried tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed through.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, coating the vegetables nicely.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields better melting and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
