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

Whipping up a delightful spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce always sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Pasta lovers crave something creamy and vibrant that breaks through mundane dinner routines.

Silky spinach intertwines beautifully with al dente noodles, creating unexpected texture and depth.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Richness from the cream sauce blends seamlessly with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, delivering complex flavor profiles.

Each bite carries a symphony of balanced tastes that will transport you straight to an Italian countryside.

Jump into this simple yet elegant recipe and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Ingredients For Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil: A smooth, heart-healthy oil that helps sauté garlic and forms the foundation of the sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that adds depth and rich flavor to the sauce.
• Butter: A creamy component that enhances the richness and adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: A smooth dairy product that creates a velvety and indulgent sauce consistency.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and tangy dried tomatoes that bring a concentrated, sweet-savory flavor to the dish.
• Spinach: A tender leafy green that wilts beautifully and adds a fresh, nutritious element to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil Leaves: Classic Italian garnishes that add sharp, salty notes and a fresh herbal finish to the pasta.

How To Make Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil Water and Prepare Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil at 212°F. Carefully add spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This typically takes 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Ingredients

Finely chop garlic into tiny pieces. Slice sun-dried tomatoes into delicate strips. Tear fresh spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces. Have these ingredients ready near your cooking station.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, which takes about 1-2 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell incredible.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Drop butter into the skillet, allowing it to melt completely and blend with the garlic. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. Move the spoon in gentle circular motions to prevent burning.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce With Seasonings

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes more concentrated in flavor.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish Sauce

Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the cream sauce. Watch as the leaves wilt and merge seamlessly into the mixture, creating a vibrant green swirl.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked spaghetti, keeping a small amount of pasta water nearby in case you need to adjust sauce consistency. Transfer pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly, ensuring every strand gets coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the saucy pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese and scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Step 9: Final Touches

Place extra parmesan and basil on the table, allowing everyone to customize their dish. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful meal with friends and family!

Pro Tips For Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Select High-Quality Pasta: Choose premium spaghetti for the best texture and authentic Italian taste.
• Control Pasta Cooking Time: Watch carefully and test for al dente consistency to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect bite.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water to thin or thicken sauce as needed, creating a silky smooth coating.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes and salt to personalize heat and seasoning without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Maximize Fresh Herb Potential: Add basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.

Fun Spins On Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegan Creamy Pasta: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and swap butter for olive oil. Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use brown rice spaghetti or zucchini noodles as a pasta alternative. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes to increase protein content. Include white beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein boost.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and roasted red peppers. Replace red pepper flakes with za'atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and bright tomato flavors.
• Craft Herb Companion: Sprinkle fresh basil and parsley alongside the dish to amplify the herb notes and add a refreshing green garnish that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Match Cheese Options: Serve with additional grated parmesan or crumbled feta on the side, allowing diners to customize their cheese intensity and add textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Balance Protein Addition: Consider grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp as a protein option that seamlessly integrates with the sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce, creating a more substantial meal.

How To Keep Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Fresh

• Store leftover spaghetti in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Prevent moisture by placing a paper towel over the pasta before sealing the lid.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Revive refrigerated pasta by warming in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently for even heating, about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs For Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• What ingredients make this sauce creamy?

Heavy cream and butter create a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, delivering a luxurious texture and velvety consistency.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat that can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount to suit your personal spice preference.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

While spaghetti works best, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine to match your taste or pantry availability.

• How do sun-dried tomatoes contribute to the dish?

Sun-dried tomatoes add an intense, concentrated sweet-tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and provides a delightful depth to the overall taste profile.

Why Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Is So Creamy

• Craft Culinary Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, turning complex flavors into an accessible cooking experience.
• Transform Weeknight Dining: Quick preparation meets gourmet taste, transforming an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dinner without extensive kitchen time or complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or accommodating dietary preferences while maintaining delicious core flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Balanced combination of creamy sauce, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a universally appealing dish that satisfies diverse palates from kids to adults.

Spaghetti & Spinach With Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and creamy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables. Silky pasta intertwines with tangy tomatoes and fresh spinach, promising a comforting meal that whisks you straight to Italian countryside kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 450 g / 1 lb spaghetti
• 200 g / 7 oz fresh spinach
• 100 g / 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes
• 250 ml / 1 cup heavy cream

Sauce & Seasoning:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 60 ml / 1/4 cup olive oil
• 30 g / 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish & Optional:

• 50 g / 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water to 212°F (100°C) for the spaghetti, ensuring enough water to allow pasta to move freely.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cooks, finely mince garlic and roughly chop sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, adding minced garlic and sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Introduce butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and blend with the garlic, creating a rich aromatic base.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and create a smooth sauce.
7. Add sun-dried tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, simmering the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Gently fold fresh spinach into the cream sauce, letting leaves wilt and integrate fully into the mixture.
9. Drain cooked spaghetti, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
10. Combine pasta with the creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating.
11. Transfer to serving plates, generously sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.
12. Serve immediately while hot, offering additional parmesan and basil at the table for personalized garnishing.

Notes

• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to sauce to enhance their rich, concentrated flavor and prevent potential bitterness.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency using reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats each spaghetti strand.
• Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or coconut milk for a lower-fat or dairy-free version of this indulgent dish.
• Incorporate protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this vegetarian recipe into a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg