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
Scale
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.
