Luscious Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy, dreamy pasta nights just got a delightful spin with this sun-dried tomato cream sauce spaghetti recipe.

Tender spinach leaves dance alongside al dente noodles in a silky, rich sauce that screams comfort.

Each twirl of the fork promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

The combination of robust sun-dried tomatoes and delicate spinach creates a harmonious blend that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted this incredible.

Dive into this restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes and transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: Thin, long pasta that perfectly absorbs creamy sauces and provides satisfying texture.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, boosts nutritional value, and brings a fresh earthy flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for sautéing and adds rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic: Releases intense aromatic notes that elevate the entire sauce's depth.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy flavor bombs that bring robust Mediterranean character.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and mellows other strong ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty undertones and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and warming spiciness.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes that complement the creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: Provides bright, aromatic finishing touch with classic Italian freshness.

Kitchen Items For Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and cooking spinach, ensuring even cooking.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and combining ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and spinach, removing excess water effectively.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta with ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring pasta water and ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh basil.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Steps To Make Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Pasta Water Bath

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently lower spaghetti into the bubbling water, allowing it to dance and soften. During the final moments of cooking, invite spinach leaves to join the pasta, letting them wilt and become tender. Carefully drain the pasta and greens, keeping a cup of the starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon.

• Fragrant Foundations

Warm a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, letting them sizzle and release their aromatic essence. Watch as the kitchen fills with an irresistible Mediterranean fragrance.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour in rich cream, sprinkle Parmesan, and dust with red pepper flakes and Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer and embrace, creating a luscious sauce that hugs the ingredients with velvety warmth. The sauce will slowly thicken, developing depth and complexity.

• Harmonious Blend

Welcome the cooked pasta and spinach into the skillet. Twirl and toss until every strand is generously coated with the luxurious sauce. If needed, splash in reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy finish.

• Final Flourish

Transfer the glistening pasta to waiting plates. Crown with fresh basil leaves and an extra shower of Parmesan. Serve immediately, letting the dish tell its delicious story.

Tasty Ideas For Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Pasta Perfection Hack: Cook spaghetti just shy of package instructions to maintain a perfect al dente texture, ensuring the pasta doesn't become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly version that still delivers rich, luxurious flavor without compromising taste.
• Protein Power Boost: Elevate the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein and a more substantial meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free spaghetti to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish's delicious essence.

Serving Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce The Easy Way

• Cozy Date Night Delight: Create a romantic dinner setting with soft candlelight, a glass of crisp white wine, and elegant plating to elevate this pasta dish into a special evening experience.
• Healthy Lunch Upgrade: Pack this vibrant spaghetti in a sealed container for a nutritious midday meal that adds excitement to your work or school lunch routine, keeping spinach and sauce perfectly fresh.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the pasta in a large, rustic serving bowl placed center table, encouraging family members to scoop portions together and enjoy a communal dining experience with extra Parmesan on the side.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Prepare extra portions for quick weeknight dinners, storing sauce and pasta separately to maintain optimal texture and reheat effortlessly within 2-3 minutes for a fast, delicious meal.

How To Store Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of water or extra cream when microwaving. Stir gently to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers, maintaining quality for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare sauce and pasta components separately to extend freshness. Keep cream sauce and cooked noodles in different containers, mixing just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Vibrant Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce offers a delightful Italian-inspired pasta experience. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, adding spinach during the final minute to wilt. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant and deeply golden, releasing their intense flavor profile.
3. Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Pasta Integration: Introduce cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the sauce, carefully coating each strand. Gradually blend reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, clingy texture that ensures maximum flavor absorption.
5. Final Presentation: Plate the sauced pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Select soft, plump sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for maximum flavor intensity and better sauce consistency.
• Control Pasta Water Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a perfectly silky sauce, preventing it from becoming too thin or thick.
• Balance Cream Sauce Seasoning: Taste and adjust red pepper flakes and salt incrementally to customize heat and flavor profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Optimize Pasta Cooking Technique: Ensure spaghetti reaches al dente texture by following package instructions precisely, which prevents mushiness and maintains ideal pasta structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg