Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Rich, silky, and bursting with color, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those pasta dishes you whip up for a special night but crave on any given Tuesday. Tossed in a luscious cream sauce flecked with sun-dried tomatoes and bright green spinach, every forkful is a marriage of savory, tangy, and comforting flavors. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something restaurant-worthy, and you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together—creamy sauce hugging delicate noodles, ready in under 30 minutes.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce lies in a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each one adds something unforgettable to the taste, texture, and beautiful presentation. Here’s what makes this pasta shine:

Spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand; the classic strands catch the rich sauce perfectly and hold everything together.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the garlic bloom with flavor right at the start.
Garlic: Brings depth and a warm, fragrant note throughout the dish—a must for savory pastas.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little jewels infuse tangy-sweet bursts of flavor and dramatic color in every bite.
Fresh spinach: Just a couple of handfuls cooks down into silky green ribbons, adding freshness and nutrition.
Heavy cream: This creates that dreamy, satiny sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory-salty finish and a touch of umami.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and to tailor the final flavor to your liking.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that dances in the background—add as much or as little as you love.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start things off by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, usually following the package directions for timing. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before you drain; it’s a little insurance to help adjust the sauce later if you need extra silkiness.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s just fragrant—keep an eye out to avoid burning, as burnt garlic turns bitter quickly and you want that aromatic base just right.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now for some color and flavor! Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything together, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and melds into the mix—it’s a visual transformation you’ll love. The tomatoes begin infusing their flavor into the oil, creating a fragrant, savory foundation.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat, letting the mixture gently simmer. As it heats, gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until you’ve got a dreamy, smooth sauce. If it gets thick, add that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s just the right consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy, sun-drenched sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and as much red pepper flakes as you like—a hint for just a touch of warmth. Taste and adjust to your preferences, then get ready to serve.

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

Garnishes

Finish off your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce with a flourish: a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of really good olive oil. Freshly ground black pepper or a little extra red pepper flakes make a beautiful, appetizing visual and a punchy flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad—think arugula with a lemony vinaigrette—or some simply roasted veggies. If you’d like to go all out, serve warm, crusty bread on the side to scoop up any remaining sauce. It’s a complete comfort meal that feels balanced yet indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to elevate your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for guests? Twirl it onto plates with tongs for a restaurant-worthy presentation, then top each swirl with a nest of spinach or tomatoes. For an extra wow-factor, serve in shallow bowls, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens, and let the rich colors pop against white plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. The sauce stays creamy and luscious, and the flavors deepen as it sits—a perfect quick lunch or next-day dinner.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can be a little finicky in the freezer, but if you want to freeze leftovers, portion the pasta into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture later on.

Reheating

To reheat your pasta, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s original creaminess. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, tossing regularly. If you’re short on time, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid any hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While spaghetti creates the iconic texture for this recipe, penne, fettuccine, or linguine all work beautifully with the creamy sauce and chunky veggies. Pick whatever pasta you have on hand or the shape you love most!

Is there a way to lighten up the cream sauce?

If you’d like a lighter version of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in evaporated milk. You’ll still get a creamy result, just with a little less richness.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy pancetta are all delicious additions if you’d like to bulk up the meal. Add your protein after the sauce comes together, just before tossing with the spaghetti.

Do I need to use oil-packed or dry sun-dried tomatoes?

Either works, but oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are softer and blend seamlessly into the sauce. If using dry, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before chopping and adding to your skillet.

What can I use instead of spinach?

You can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula for the spinach. Each will bring its own flavor and texture to Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, so use what’s in season or what you have in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a pasta night that feels both comforting and just a little bit special, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce will steal your heart. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl soon—it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, hungry for seconds and asking for the recipe.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting yet flavorful dish of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones!

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Cook sun-dried tomatoes and spinach until wilted.
Create the Cream Sauce: Simmer heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Combine and Season: Toss spaghetti with sauce, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Serve: Dish out, garnish with Parmesan, and enjoy!