If you’re craving a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat yet is so comforting and easy to make, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together perfectly al dente noodles, rich sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and a luscious cream sauce with a pop of nutty Parmesan, all mingling beautifully in each bite. With layers of flavor and just enough elegance to impress, it’s as ideal for quiet nights in as it is for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few simple items will let you create something extraordinary! Each ingredient in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce plays a starring role, bringing color, flavor, and irresistible texture to this cozy pasta.
- Spaghetti: Use classic spaghetti for the perfect toothsome base; whole wheat is a nice twist for extra nuttiness.
- Olive oil: Just a touch enhances the richness and lends a subtle fruitiness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory, fragrant depth—don’t skimp here!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle, warming heat; skip if you prefer a milder pasta.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): Their sweet-tart intensity and chewy texture are the bold heart of this dish.
- Fresh spinach: Roughly chopping ensures even distribution, while its leafy green adds color and freshness.
- Heavy cream: Creates the dreamy, velvety base for the sauce and binds the flavors together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, umami punch and a creamy finish.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—the secret to a silky sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Once shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle just until fragrant, about a minute; you want the aroma to fill your kitchen without letting the garlic turn golden or bitter.
Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for a couple of minutes so they soften and their flavor seeps into the oil. This step turns the base deeply savory and sets the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in your heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts to create that lush, velvety sauce we all love in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. If things look a bit thick, hold tight—there’s more to come!
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Toss in the chopped spinach next. It will almost magically turn bright green and tender in just a couple of minutes, softening into the sauce and adding a fresh, earthy dimension.
Step 6: Bring it Together
Add your drained spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are glossy and well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you’re happy with the consistency.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Transfer the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce to bowls and finish with extra fresh Parmesan on top if you want each forkful to feel extra special.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top is classic, but you can also add freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh basil, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The finishing touches truly elevate Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, bringing out the vibrant colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own, but serving it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread really brings out its comforting, Italian-inspired vibe. Roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad make fresh and tasty accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, try swirling the noodles into little nests before plating, or serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce family-style in a large bowl at the table. For a special touch, add sliced grilled chicken or a poached egg on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating brings it right back to life.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, you can still freeze this dish if you need to. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, and expect to whisk things together to restore the creamy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce and stir until everything is silky once again. The microwave works too, but go slowly and stir a few times throughout.
FAQs
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives this dish its signature silky richness, but you can substitute half-and-half or a creamy oat or cashew alternative for a lighter version. The sauce may be a bit less thick, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Choose egg-free pasta, and you’ll have a lovely plant-based version.
Are jarred or dried sun-dried tomatoes better?
Oily, jarred sun-dried tomatoes are preferred for this recipe because they’re softer and infuse the sauce with tons of flavor. If you only have the dried kind, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes first to plump them up.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even cannellini beans are all wonderful additions that complement the flavors of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a vibrant, dreamy pasta that feels both special and homey, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a guaranteed win. Try it for dinner soon, and you just might find it becomes a cozy staple in your kitchen too!
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