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

Culinary magic happens when spaghetti meets a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

Green spinach transforms this classic pasta into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright, tangy ingredients.

Each twirled forkful tells a story of comfort and creativity.

Mediterranean notes dance through this simple yet elegant dish.

Rich flavors invite you to slow down and savor every delightful bite.

Grab a pan and let’s create something deliciously unforgettable.

Saucy Tips for Better Tomato Pasta

• Boost Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly to spaghetti, creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too dry or runny.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast garlic and sun-dried tomatoes slowly to release their rich, caramelized flavors before adding cream.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Quick Nutrition Boost: Add protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to transform this vegetarian dish into a complete meal.

Storing Pasta While Keeping It Smooth

• Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the pasta's flavor.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to keep it from becoming too dry. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. If freezing, consume within 1-2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Satisfying Pairings for Tomato Cream Pasta

• Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through its richness.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley with toasted pine nuts to add a nutty crunch and aromatic layer that enhances the dish's complex flavors.
• Serve a light Greek salad with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cucumber to balance the pasta's creaminess and add fresh, tangy notes.
• Offer warm garlic focaccia or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Cream Sauce Upgrades to Try Out

Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Delight: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy sauce’s rich flavor.

Vegan Cashew Cream Version: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with blended cashew cream and nutritional yeast to create a plant-based sauce that’s equally luxurious and satisfying.

Protein-Packed Chicken Upgrade: Add grilled, sliced chicken breast to transform the pasta into a hearty protein-rich meal that keeps you full and energized.

Mediterranean Olive Remix: Incorporate chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with tangy, salty notes.

Loved Features of Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Super fast 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights when cooking time is precious.
• Creamy, flavorful pasta dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its mild yet satisfying taste profile.
• Flexible recipe allowing simple protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra nutrition and variety.
• Includes nutrient-rich spinach and protein-dense Parmesan cheese, making it a balanced one-pot wonder that supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Spinach Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta for hearty and satisfying meals, whole wheat or regular options work well.

• Spinach: Adds healthy nutrients and fresh green color to the dish, fresh or pre-washed spinach recommended.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth base for cooking garlic and tomatoes, extra virgin preferred.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, fresh minced garlic gives best taste.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense tangy flavor profile, packed or jarred versions work perfectly.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich and luxurious sauce texture, full-fat version recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp salty flavor, freshly grated cheese melts better.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat, adjust quantity for spice preference.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal depth, premixed blend saves preparation time.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced flavor, kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Fresh Basil: Bright herbal finish, adds visual appeal and fresh aroma.

Pasta Instructions That Keep Things Creamy

Step 1: Boil and Wilt Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop in spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender. During the final minute of cooking, toss in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to soften and turn bright green. Carefully drain the pasta and spinach, keeping a cup of starchy cooking water on the side.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Warm a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle in finely chopped garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let them dance and sizzle, releasing their rich, intense flavors for about 2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the ingredients together and let them simmer softly, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety coating. The mixture will thicken and become more robust after 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each strand gets beautifully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, clingy texture.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Elegantly distribute the creamy pasta into serving dishes. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato sauce brings Italian comfort to your dinner table. Silky pasta swirls with rich, tangy sauce invite you to savor each luxurious bite of this Mediterranean-inspired classic.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight firmness.
2. During the final minute of pasta cooking, introduce fresh spinach leaves into the boiling water, allowing them to wilt elegantly. Carefully drain the pasta and spinach, preserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until aromatic and slightly caramelized.
4. Gently cascade heavy cream into the skillet, integrating Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer softly, whisking intermittently until the sauce develops a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Transfer the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach directly into the cream sauce. Delicately maneuver the ingredients, ensuring each strand of pasta becomes lavishly coated. Incrementally introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clingy sauce texture.
6. Plate the creamy pasta into individual serving dishes. Embellish with delicate fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Present immediately while the dish remains piping hot.

Notes

• Boost pasta’s flavor by toasting garlic and sun-dried tomatoes carefully without burning, which releases deeper, richer aromatic notes.
• Control sauce thickness strategically by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating perfect silky texture without becoming too runny or dense.
• Transform recipe into vegetarian-friendly version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Elevate nutritional profile by incorporating additional protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans directly into the sauce for balanced meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg