Description
Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a creamy and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with al dente spaghetti, fresh spinach, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet feels luxurious and satisfying, combining wholesome ingredients for a delicious and nutritious dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling the pasta)
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Spinach
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti to help loosen the sauce if needed.
- Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. For added richness, stir in the butter if using.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the cream sauce and spinach. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti al dente to maintain texture as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help bind the sauce to the pasta.
- To prevent Parmesan from clumping, stir it into the sauce off the heat.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or other greens if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free; substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, pasta recipe, Italian, vegetarian, quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy meal
