If you are on the hunt for a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, colors, and a luscious texture, you have to try this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It beautifully balances silky creaminess with the vibrant tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve friends, this recipe never disappoints and always leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet powerful, coming together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color on your plate. From the rich cream to the aromatic garlic and the slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes, each component plays an essential role in making this dish truly special.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The perfect canvas for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a smooth base for sautéing garlic and tomatoes, adding richness and flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant and savory depth that elevates the sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): Packed with intense, slightly sweet tang that infuses the sauce with vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates velvety texture and a luscious mouthfeel, making the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, savory notes and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a touch of spice to balance the richness if you like a little kick.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Brings a fresh, leafy green brightness and a lovely contrast in texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice, rounding out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped): Freshens the dish with herbal brightness and beautiful aroma as a garnish.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Before draining, be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water—this starchy water will help you achieve that perfect silky sauce texture later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell that gorgeous, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. This step flavors the oil and kick-starts the richness of your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce Base
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it warm up without boiling to keep the sauce smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using, and continue cooking for about 3 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly. This creates a luscious, decadent base that’s filled with tangy and savory undertones.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine
Next, toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts down, preserving its vibrant green color and fresh taste. Then add the cooked spaghetti right into the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick, stirring gently to coat every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of herbal fragrance. For that extra touch, a little more Parmesan cheese makes a perfect finishing garnish. Now your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves is not just for looks—they lend a beautiful aroma and herbal brightness that complement the richness of the cream sauce. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese adds that salty, nutty finish every pasta lover craves. For a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds make a fantastic garnish as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delightful sauce. To round it out, a simple roasted vegetable like asparagus or bell peppers adds fresh, roasted flavor and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests in individual bowls or plates, topped with a sprig of basil and a sprinkle of cheese. For a family-style dinner, serve it in a large rustic bowl, inviting everyone to dig in together. You could also add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein and visual appeal to make it a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even better next-day meal!
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen, you can still freeze this dish if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to help maintain the creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and keep it silky smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of those in oil?
Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes, but you’ll need to rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes before chopping and using. This helps them soften and release their flavors properly in the sauce.
Is there a lighter substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick. Another option is a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to mimic creaminess, but heavy cream gives the best silky texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and be sure to cook the pasta without eggs. The flavors will still be delightful with these swaps.
How spicy is the sauce with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth rather than overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. It’s all about your personal taste!
What protein pairs well with this pasta?
Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are fantastic additions for extra protein. They blend beautifully into the sauce without overpowering the fresh, creamy flavors and make the meal more filling and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a true comfort-food winner that’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for guests. Its creamy sauce, fresh greens, and tangy tomato notes come together in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce with fresh spinach and aromatic garlic. It’s perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, cooking the sauce until it slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally to combine it evenly with the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Season & Garnish: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce variation.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti to increase fiber content.
