Easy Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re craving a dish that’s both quick and bursting with flavor, this Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe is an absolute keeper. Combining the freshness of spinach with the rich, tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes, all swirled in a luscious creamy sauce, this pasta meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s an easy, yet elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and colorful plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and creamy texture: The sauce is both indulgent and silky without being heavy.
• Vibrant flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch that complements fresh spinach beautifully.
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with spinach for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable base: Easy to adapt with different proteins, cheeses, or herbs for your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this dish plays a critical role, from flavor and texture to color and creaminess. The simplicity of the ingredient list makes shopping easy but guarantees a dish that tastes anything but basic.

• Spaghetti: Choose your favorite type, whether classic semolina or whole wheat for extra fiber.
• Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a nutritional boost.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for extra richness and intense flavor.
• Heavy cream or crème fraîche: Creates the smooth, creamy base of the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté and enhance the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish to the creamy sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all ingredients.

Variations for Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to adjust based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary needs.

• Protein addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
• Vegan version: Swap cream for coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cheese alternatives.
• Spicy kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or sliced chili for a touch of heat.
• Herb infusion: Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to elevate the flavors.
• Nutty crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture contrast.

How to Make Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the sun-dried tomato base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through, which helps release their deep flavors.

Step 3: Create the creamy sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir to combine the flavors, then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce for that silky finish.

Step 4: Add spinach and season

Toss in the fresh spinach leaves, stirring until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Making Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They offer richer flavor and better texture than dry-packed versions.
• Reserve pasta water: It helps loosen the sauce without watering down the taste.
• Don’t overcook spinach: Wilt just enough to keep it bright and fresh in flavor.
• Grate Parmesan fresh: Pre-grated cheese can be dry and less flavorful.
• Adjust creaminess: Easily tailor the sauce texture by adding more or less cream or pasta water.

How to Serve Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan on top to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates the dish’s richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A light lemon vinaigrette salad or steamed asparagus complement the creamy sauce well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant sauce and spinach. Top with a few whole sun-dried tomatoes or a lemon wedge for a beautiful and inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it great for next-day lunches.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid separating the cream. Add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes are tasty but lack the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, so the sauce won’t have that same depth; if using fresh, consider roasting them to intensify their sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional spaghetti contains gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out cream for coconut or cashew-based cream alternatives, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that creamy texture.

How can I make this more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to boost protein content and add extra layers of flavor.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Spaghetti is perfect for coating in the creamy sauce, but you can also try fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a different pasta experience.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those wonderfully simple dishes that feel special without a lot of fuss. Its creamy texture, vibrant ingredients, and speedy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy nights or whenever you want a comforting yet fresh pasta meal. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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