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

Pasta nights reach new heights with this luxurious spaghetti and spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce that blends Mediterranean flavors into one stunning dish.

Creamy textures merge with vibrant ingredients, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Soft spinach leaves nestle between perfectly cooked spaghetti strands, embracing rich, tangy cream sauce.

Intense sun-dried tomatoes add depth and character to every delectable bite.

Each forkful promises a harmonious dance of robust and delicate flavors.

Home cooks seeking a restaurant-quality meal will adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Prepare to savor every single, mouthwatering spoonful.

Store Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Properly

• Store leftover spaghetti in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain sauce texture and prevent condensation inside the container.
• Revive refrigerated pasta by adding a splash of water or cream while warming in a skillet, restoring moisture and preventing dryness.
• Consume refrigerated spaghetti within 3-4 days for best flavor and quality, ensuring maximum taste and food safety.

FAQs

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

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes with heavy cream creates a rich, tangy flavor profile that’s both creamy and intense, offering a gourmet twist to traditional pasta sauces.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetarian Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute to keep the recipe completely vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can easily incorporate protein by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans directly into the sauce before mixing with the pasta.

• Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight meal?

Absolutely! The entire dish comes together in about 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for a fast and delicious dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

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

• Spaghetti: Tender pasta provides hearty foundation, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture and authentic Italian flavor.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutrient boost, select fresh crisp leaves without wilting or discoloration.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth base for sauce, opt for extra virgin for richer flavor profile.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic backbone, choose firm fresh cloves without sprouting.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated sweet-tangy complexity, look for plump pieces packed in olive oil.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious silky consistency, select organic cream for superior richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp salty undertone, select freshly grated wedge over pre-packaged versions.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and warm depth, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes seamlessly, choose blend with balanced rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental flavor amplifiers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright finishing touch, select vibrant green leaves without dark spots.

Tools to Cook Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti and wilting spinach, with enough space to cook pasta comfortably.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating creamy sauce and combining ingredients with pasta.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta and spinach while keeping pasta water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta without scratching skillet.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping sun-dried tomatoes.
• Measuring Cups: Help measure cream and pasta water accurately.
• Measuring Spoons: Necessary for adding precise amounts of seasonings.

How to Prepare Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Toss spaghetti into a rolling boil of salted water. Cook until just right, then gently slide spinach into the pot during the final minute. Drain everything, keeping a cup of starchy water on the side.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a skillet and dance minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes around until their aroma fills the kitchen. Let them sizzle and bloom with delicious potential.

• Whip Up Dreamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and seasonings. Let the mixture simmer softly, transforming into a velvety blend that hugs your pasta.

• Marry Pasta with Sauce

Tumble cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the skillet. Swirl and coat every strand, splashing reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clinging sauce that makes taste buds dance.

• Plate and Celebrate

Slide your masterpiece onto waiting plates. Crown with fresh basil and an extra shower of Parmesan. Dive in while it’s steaming hot and savor every twirled bite.

Flavor Ideas for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Mince garlic finely and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking to enhance its powerful health-boosting compounds and develop a deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Save your pasta water like culinary gold – its starchy nature helps create silky, clingy sauces that beautifully coat every strand of spaghetti without diluting flavor.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain that creamy, cheesy essence while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.
• Elevate the nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for extra protein. These additions transform the dish from a simple side to a complete, satisfying meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, or go bold with a generous sprinkle for those who love a spicy kick. Fresh chili flakes work wonderfully for more intense, complex heat.

Serving Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Rustic Family-Style Feast: Serve the spaghetti in a large ceramic dish placed in the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion with a hearty serving spoon.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Pair the pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to complement the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal's flavor profile by serving a chilled glass of medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Top individual servings with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta for added protein and a delightful textural contrast to the silky pasta.

Elegant Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce blends Italian pasta traditions with creamy, tangy flavors. Pasta lovers discover a comforting meal that balances rich textures and fresh ingredients.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Generously salt a large pot of water and bring to a vigorous boil. Immerse spaghetti, cooking until achieving an al dente texture with a subtle resistance.
2. Spinach Integration: During the pasta’s final cooking minute, introduce spinach leaves, allowing them to delicately wilt. Drain the pasta and spinach, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until they release their fragrant essence and develop a gentle caramelization.
4. Sauce Composition: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently, whisking periodically until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Pasta Fusion: Introduce the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach directly into the cream sauce. Gently toss to ensure each pasta strand becomes thoroughly enrobed. Gradually add reserved pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce texture.
6. Serving Finale: Transfer the creamy pasta to individual serving dishes. Garnish with delicate fresh basil leaves and an optional Parmesan cheese sprinkle. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.

Notes

Control Pasta Cooking: Maintain al dente texture by cooking spaghetti precisely 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, ensuring pasta retains slight resistance when bitten.

Spinach Wilting Technique: Briefly submerge spinach leaves to prevent overcooking, preserving vibrant green color and maintaining nutritional integrity during the final pasta cooking minute.

Sauce Consistency Management: Gradually add reserved pasta water while whisking to control sauce thickness, creating a silky emulsion that clings perfectly to spaghetti without becoming watery or too thick.

Flavor Customization Options: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions; add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp; use gluten-free pasta for dietary accommodations; adjust red pepper flakes for personalized spice levels.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg