If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in pasta form, then this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine silky strands of spaghetti drenched in a luscious, velvety cream sauce bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh, vibrant pop of spinach. It’s comfort food elevated to something truly special, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the richest flavors, vibrant colors, and perfect textures that make this dish so irresistible.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps gently cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic depth and a slight kick to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): Full of intense, sweet-tart flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky texture that envelops every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that perfectly rounds out the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the dish.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Brightens the dish with color and adds a mild, leafy freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of herbal brightness and makes the dish look picture-perfect.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking your spaghetti just until al dente according to the package instructions. Be sure to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret ingredient for perfectly silky sauce consistency! Setting the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce keeps everything fresh and ready for the final toss.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it gently for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn! Next, stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook together for another two minutes to soften and deepen those rich, tangy flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. As the cream warms, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook the sauce for about three to four minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly creamy. This is where the magic texture of the dish starts to come together.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine Pasta
Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce, bringing lovely green color and a fresh balance to the richness. Then, add your cooked spaghetti back into the skillet. If the sauce feels too thick, sprinkle in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until everything is luxuriously coated. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste, and give everything one final toss before plating.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this dish better than a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley. Their bright, herbaceous notes add an inviting aroma and a burst of color that makes each plate look as good as it tastes. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
Keep the meal light and elegant with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread that’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully too, adding a touch of texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, each topped with a small basil sprig and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. You could also swirl the pasta into neat nests on the plate for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze portions in a sealed container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Because the sauce is rich, it can thicken when chilled. Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently and adding reserved pasta water or a little milk to get back that smooth, creamy texture. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is perfect for holding the cream sauce, penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle would also work wonderfully. Just keep cooking times in mind to maintain that al dente texture.
Is there a vegan version of this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe?
You can swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast. This will change the flavor slightly but still give you a creamy, satisfying sauce. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. If you like a little extra kick, feel free to increase the quantity or omit them altogether if you prefer no heat.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp make fantastic additions if you want to boost the protein. Simply cook them separately and mix them in during the final step before serving.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes are best?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and chop them finely so they incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is a brilliant addition to your recipe rotation. It’s elegantly simple, richly flavorful, and comes together quickly — the kind of meal that feels like a treat every single time. Give it a try, and I promise it will earn a special place in your heart and on your table.
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-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy spaghetti dish featuring fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This Italian-inspired vegetarian pasta recipe is quick to prepare on the stovetop, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir continuously until the spinach wilts down evenly throughout the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the pasta with fresh basil or parsley leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
