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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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