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
Scale
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.
