There’s something soul-soothing about a warm bowl of pasta, especially when it’s draped in a creamy sauce that marries the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of spinach. As I was winding down after a particularly hectic week, the thought of a comforting dish kept creeping into my mind. This led me on a delightful journey to the kitchen, where magic happens with just a few simple ingredients.
Imagine the enchanting aroma of garlic sizzling alongside bold sun-dried tomatoes, all mingled with the lusciousness of heavy cream. This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to whip up in just 30 minutes. It's an ideal escape from fast food monotony—a meal that promises to please the entire family while allowing you to feel like a chef in your own home. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
- The rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes combined with creamy sauce and fresh spinach creates a delightful sensation in every bite.
- Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
- Plus, this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, leaving them asking for more.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Ingredients
For the Pasta
• 12 oz spaghetti – Choose your favorite type of pasta for the best texture.
For the Sauce
• 2 tablespoon olive oil – A healthy fat that adds richness to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic brings aromatic flavors essential for this dish.
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) – This gives the sauce a tangy depth, a true star of the spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
• 1.25 cups heavy cream – Provides a luscious creaminess that envelops the pasta beautifully.
For the Vegetables
• 4 cups fresh spinach – Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and nutritional boost.
For Garnish
• 0.75 cup parmesan cheese (grated) – The perfect finishing touch, adding salty richness.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add 12 oz of spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
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Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in 0.5 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic. Sauté for another minute to infuse the flavors.
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Pour in Cream: Lower the heat slightly and pour in 1.25 cups of heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
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Incorporate Spinach: Toss in 4 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until it's just wilted, bringing a vibrant green to your sauce.
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Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it with the sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Finish with Cheese: Stir in 0.75 cup of grated parmesan cheese, seasoning with 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined, creamy, and delicious.
Optional: Sprinkle extra parmesan on top for a cheesy finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheating in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water helps revive the creamy texture.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little cream or water for moisture and a creamy finish.
Reheating: Stir gently while reheating to ensure an even temperature without breaking the sauce's silky texture. Serve immediately after warming for the best taste!
What to Serve with Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Imagine a delightful ensemble of flavors and textures that elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious accompaniments that will take your dining to a whole new level!
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Garlic Bread: The perfect vessel for sopping up that creamy sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery element to your plate.
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Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy salad complements the richness of the pasta, offering a refreshing contrast that's unforgettable.
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Roasted Vegetables: Bring in seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with your dish.
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Parmesan Crisps: These elegant, crunchy bites add additional flavor and texture, enhancing the savory notes of the sun-dried tomatoes.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, its acidity cutting through the creaminess while enhancing the meal's flavors.
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Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet will cleanse the palate beautifully, offering a refreshing finish after your creamy pasta indulgence.
Crafting the perfect meal doesn't have to be complicated—these delightful pairings will transform your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce into a memorable feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce are perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze! You can cook the spaghetti and prepare the sun-dried tomato cream sauce up to 3 days in advance. To do this, simply follow the first five steps of the recipe and store the sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sauce gently on the stove, toss in freshly cooked pasta, and finish with grated parmesan. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal that feels just as delicious as if it were made from scratch each night!
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Variations
Feel free to personalize your dish and bring your own flair to this delightful pasta experience.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, vegan-friendly twist on the sauce. It adds a lovely coconut note while still being creamy.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The flavors remain just as vibrant with this swap!
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Extra Veggie: Add roasted zucchini or bell peppers to the sauté for added texture and a burst of color. This not only increases the nutritional value but also enhances the flavor profile.
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Heat It Up: For those who love spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. A little heat will elevate the dish and keep diners on their toes!
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Pesto Twist: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto for an aromatic twist that harmonizes beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes. It's a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!
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Cheesy Delight: Swap out parmesan for a combination of feta and mozzarella. This adds a delightful creaminess while the feta contributes a tangy punch.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. They provide an elegant touch, making each bite more satisfying.
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Herbal Enhancements: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like basil or thyme at the end for an aromatic finish. Fresh herbs can take the dish from good to extraordinary, brightening up every bite!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, always salt your pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the spaghetti.
- Dice sun-dried tomatoes evenly to ensure they distribute well throughout the sauce and create a balanced taste.
- When adding spinach to the sauce, do so just until it's wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- If the sauce seems too thick after combining with the spaghetti, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe, as they offer a richer flavor and a hint of extra moisture. If you prefer, you can use dry sun-dried tomatoes, but make sure to soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften before chopping. This ensures that they blend beautifully into your sauce.
How should I store leftovers of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
To store your delicious leftover spaghetti, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, when reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back that luscious creaminess that makes this dish so delightful!
Can I freeze Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Of course! Freezing this dish is simple. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat it gently in a skillet, stirring in a little cream or water to revive that smooth texture.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce has thickened too much after mixing with the spaghetti, no worries! Just ladle in some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The starch from the pasta water not only helps thin it out but also adds even more flavor to the sauce. Stir gently and watch it transform!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
Very much so! To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for a nutty flavor. Just keep an eye on ingredient labels to avoid any dairy traces.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
The more the merrier! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can absolutely switch it up with your favorite pasta—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options are all excellent choices. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type you select. Happy cooking!
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic. Sauté for another minute to infuse the flavors.
- Lower the heat slightly and pour in heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss in fresh spinach. Cook until it's just wilted.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it with the sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined, creamy, and delicious.
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