Try This Dreamy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

A magical spaghetti swirls with vibrant spinach in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce that whispers gourmet comfort.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, promising an elegant yet simple meal.

Delicate pasta strands embrace emerald greens and tangy tomato richness.

Fresh ingredients mingle to create something extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this unexpected combination.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe will make you feel like a culinary genius.

Grab a fork and let the deliciousness begin!

Spaghetti & Spinach Cream Sauce FAQs

• What makes the sun-dried tomato cream sauce special?

The sauce combines rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes with creamy Parmesan and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, creating a complex and delicious flavor profile that elevates the simple pasta dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. You can easily keep it as is or add some protein like tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based cheese if you want more substance.

• How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Use low to medium heat when simmering the sauce, stir frequently, and avoid boiling. Adding the pasta water gradually helps maintain the sauce’s smooth, creamy texture without breaking.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

The recipe includes nutrient-rich spinach and offers a balanced mix of vegetables and proteins. While creamy, it’s made with whole ingredients and can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Why Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Is a Must-Try

• Craft a Creamy Comfort Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious pasta dish that wraps you in warm, indulgent flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked food.
• Versatile Veggie-Packed Delight: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste that even picky eaters will love, making vegetables feel like a treat instead of a chore.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: The recipe's flexible nature allows home cooks to easily adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add protein, making it a go-to meal that adapts to individual preferences and pantry contents.

What You’ll Use for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces, best when cooked al dente.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish, wilts quickly in hot water.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for sautéing ingredients, provides subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds deep flavor foundation, fresh is best.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy flavor that adds rich Mediterranean character, packed with concentrated tomato essence.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base for creating silky sauce, provides rich and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances sauce depth, freshly grated recommended.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spice, adjust according to personal preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Dried herb mix with classic Mediterranean herbs, provides balanced herbal notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, adjust to taste.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds fresh finish, green color contrast.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for additional cheese flavor and texture.

Cooking Steps for Spaghetti & Spinach Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Spinach

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Gently slide the spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender. In the final minute of cooking, toss in the fresh spinach to soften it. Carefully drain the pasta and spinach, but save a cup of the starchy cooking water for later magic.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavors

• Finely chopped garlic
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Let these ingredients dance together over medium heat, releasing their aromatic goodness for about 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create Creamy Perfection

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer gently. Watch the sauce transform and thicken slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together with love, ensuring each strand gets a luxurious coating. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect silky texture.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Artfully divide the pasta into serving bowls. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it’s warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Spaghetti

• Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your spaghetti, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated.
• Spinach Timing Trick: Add spinach during the last minute of pasta cooking to preserve its bright green color and prevent overcooking, maintaining a fresh and vibrant appearance.
• Cream Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer the sauce gently and stir occasionally to prevent burning, allowing it to thicken naturally without becoming too dense or separating.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Toast garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil to intensify their aromatics, releasing deeper, more complex flavors into the cream sauce.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use plant-based alternatives to make the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

How to Store Leftovers of This Pasta Dish

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions by adding a splash of water or milk, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Avoid Freezing: The cream sauce may separate and lose its creamy texture when frozen, so it's best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Great Pairings for Spaghetti & Spinach Cream Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, tangy sauce. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the sun-dried tomato flavors perfectly.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce. The bread's crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the soft, silky pasta.
• Boost with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy intensity. The peppery greens and bright dressing will refresh your palate between bites.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Lemon: Add a twist of fresh lemon to sparkling water for a clean, palate-cleansing drink. The citrus notes will highlight the sun-dried tomato's tanginess and cut through the cream sauce.

Tasty Tweaks for Spaghetti & Spinach Cream Pasta

• Protein Power Punch: Replace spinach with grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp for a protein-packed meal that adds extra flavor and nutrition to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh oregano to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
• Vegan Veggie Blast: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based version bursting with vegetables.
• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Mix in cooked crab meat or diced salmon, increase red pepper flakes, and sprinkle with chopped fresh dill to create a zesty seafood variation that elevates the original recipe.

Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce brings Italian comfort right to your kitchen. Rich Mediterranean flavors blend perfectly, offering a delightful pasta experience that will satisfy and delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Immerse the spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. During the final minute of cooking, introduce the spinach to the pot, allowing it to gently wilt. Drain the pasta and spinach, carefully preserving one cup of the starchy cooking liquid.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become gloriously fragrant.
3. Infuse the skillet with heavy cream, sprinkling in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer softly, stirring intermittently, until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously thickened consistency.
4. Transfer the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the skillet, gently tumbling them through the creamy sauce. Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clingy texture that embraces every strand of pasta.
5. Artfully distribute the sauced pasta into serving vessels. Embellish with delicate fresh basil leaves and an optional dusting of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to create a deeper, more intense flavor profile that enhances the overall sauce richness.
• Opt for whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the dish, making it more fiber-rich and heart-healthy.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter, lower-fat version that maintains the creamy texture while adding protein and reducing calories.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that tingles your taste buds.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg