Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that blends vibrant greens with the rich, tangy goodness of sun-dried tomatoes coated in a luscious cream sauce, then this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortless yet impressive pasta meal that brings together tender spaghetti, fresh spinach, and the sweet intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped in a silky, cheesy cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a burst of flavor and freshness that feels both indulgent and wholesome in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is simple, but each one is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll love. Fresh spinach adds vibrant green color and a tender, earthy note, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a delightful chewy sweetness and tang. The cream and Parmesan meld everything together with rich, velvety goodness.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of bright green color.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Provides concentrated, sweet-tart flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, indulgent sauce base.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and enriching the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for balance.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures your pasta has the perfect bite to stand up to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. This step infuses the olive oil with garlic’s robust flavor, which will gently permeate the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes directly to the skillet. Sauté them together just until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, and the sun-dried tomatoes soften slightly. This combination gives the dish a fantastic mix of textures and bright color.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and cook until the sauce is warmed through and the cheese has melted into a smooth, rich sauce. This step brings everything together with luscious creaminess and a hint of savory umami.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with the Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until every strand is beautifully coated with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This final mix ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm bowl of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe immediately to enjoy the full richness of the creamy sauce and the freshness of the spinach.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or some crushed red pepper flakes can add lovely texture and flavor accents when served. Fresh basil or chopped parsley also add a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that brightens the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water makes the meal even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate and arrange a few whole sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves on top for visual appeal. Serving in rustic bowls or on elegant white plates can change the mood from cozy weeknight dinner to a charming dinner party highlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes can sometimes alter their texture, you can freeze this dish if needed by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Expect a slight change in the sauce’s creaminess, but the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s smooth texture. Microwaving works too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid watering down the sauce.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary, or can I use fresh tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that fresh tomatoes won’t provide, which really makes this sauce special. Fresh tomatoes will work but the flavor will be milder and the sauce less rich.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived rennet (verify your Parmesan cheese if strict vegetarian).
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize it, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. You can also sauté in vegan butter or olive oil to keep it plant-based and still delicious.
What wine pairs well with this pasta dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and balances the flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach beautifully, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both elegant and approachable, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s fresh, comforting, and absolutely delicious. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do sharing it with people I care about!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Spaghetti & Spinach dish featuring a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This recipe combines tender spaghetti with fresh spinach and a rich, flavorful cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Cook gently until the sauce is warm and creamy, allowing the cheese to melt fully and combine with the cream.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the spaghetti hot and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use salted water when cooking spaghetti to enhance flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be drained but add extra flavor; adjust olive oil accordingly.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby spinach for a milder taste.
- To add protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
