Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful, comforting dish that brings a touch of gourmet right into your kitchen. Imagine twirling your fork around strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach adds vibrant flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant, even if you’re just at home on a weeknight. Plus, this recipe shines with its simplicity—everything cooks in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for families, friendly gatherings, or even those nights when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. Let’s dive into why you’re going to absolutely love this dish, and how easy it is to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

You’re going to adore this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for several reasons. First, the sauce is rich and creamy, effortlessly blending the wonderful flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach. The cream coats each strand of pasta beautifully, making every bite a little hug of comfort. Second, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, which means you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Lastly, it’s a one-pot dish. Yes! That means less scrubbing and more relaxing with your loved ones after dinner.

What is Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

Let’s break it down. This dish features spaghetti, which is tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and minced garlic. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a deep, concentrated flavor, while the spinach lends a fresh touch. It’s a delightful harmony of hearty ingredients that come together to create a light yet satisfying pasta dish. You can easily serve it for a cozy family dinner or impress guests with its vibrant presentation and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Before getting started, gather the following ingredients:

• 12 oz dried spaghetti
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes)

Cooking Instructions

Cook Spaghetti Until Al Dente

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; you might need it later!

Sauté Garlic and Spinach for Flavor

While the spaghetti cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—this should take about 1 minute. Next, toss in the fresh spinach and stir it occasionally until it wilts, which will take about 3 minutes. The smell is going to be amazing!

Make the Cream Sauce

Now it’s time to create the creamy goodness. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Let this simmer on low for around 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine Spaghetti and Sauce for Deliciousness

Once you’ve got your sauce just right, add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet. This is where the magic happens! Use that reserved pasta water as needed to help combine everything smoothly. Toss it gently to coat each strand of spaghetti in that luscious sauce. It’s coming together beautifully!

Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is ready! Serve it up hot, and feel free to garnish with some extra Parmesan if you’d like.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines best with a few simple additions. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that hits all the right notes. You could also consider serving it with garlic bread on the side to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Tips for Success

• Be sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should retain a little bite (al dente) for the best texture.
• Using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of your cream sauce, so choose wisely!

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You might want to substitute half of the spinach with kale or arugula for a different green flavor. If you’re looking for extra protein, adding in cooked chicken or shrimp can make this dish even heartier.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though it may be hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, do so gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

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

2. You can, but keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes provide a rich, concentrated flavor that elevates the dish significantly.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

4. Half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative will work, though the sauce may be less rich.

5. How can I make this dish vegan?

6. Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a flavorful twist.

7. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

8. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead of time. Just add the cooked spaghetti right before serving.

9. What wine pairs well with this dish?

10. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Embrace this fabulous recipe as a staple in your cooking routine. The Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce isn’t merely a meal; it’s a warming experience to share with friends or family. Each spoonful brings a joyful mix of flavors that leaves everyone craving more. So, wear that apron, gather your ingredients, and let the cooking magic begin! Enjoy every bite!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
• Homemade Cheesy Potatoes
• 3-Ingredient Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash
• Pico De Gallo

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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This comforting pasta dish combines spaghetti with a rich cream sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz dried spaghetti
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes)

Instructions

• Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
• Pour in heavy cream, add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth; simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing gently and adding reserved pasta water as needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook spaghetti; it should be al dente for optimal texture.
Choosing high-quality sun-dried tomatoes enhances the flavor of the sauce.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg