If you love a luscious, comforting pasta dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe. It’s a deliciously creamy and slightly tangy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, thanks to the rich sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This dish is quick to whip up but feels like a special occasion meal, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing friends when you want to share something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply yet harmoniously. Each one plays a starring role to build the sauce’s creamy texture, bright tomato essence, and fresh spinach flavor that makes this dish so inviting.
- Spaghetti: The perfect long pasta to hold the creamy sauce with every bite.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the tangy tomatoes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a concentrated, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that stands out beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious texture making the sauce silky smooth.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and spinach, enhancing the dish’s overall richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty elements that balance the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti until it is al dente—meaning tender but still with a slight bite. This texture is key because the pasta needs to hold up well once tossed with the creamy sauce. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to one minute—don’t let it brown, or it will taste bitter. Then add fresh spinach and cook quickly until it wilts down but still retains its vibrant green color. This step injects layers of fresh, garlicky flavor into the sauce base.
Step 3: Stir in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream
Next, add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, letting them warm through to release their rich, sweet tanginess. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. The cream melds with the tomatoes and spinach to create that dreamy, velvety sauce you’re craving.
Step 4: Season and Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce feels too thick, adding a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen it and help everything cling beautifully to the spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated evenly. Warm it together for a minute or two so the flavors meld perfectly. This final step transforms simple ingredients into a harmoniously rich and comforting meal.
How to Serve Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Brighten the dish with torn fresh basil or parsley—these fresh herbs really make the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy spaghetti with a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty bread is also irresistible alongside this dish, perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in deep pasta bowls to contain all that luscious sauce, and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for gloss and flavor. For a festive touch, add toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomato pieces on the side to sprinkle as you please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld and often taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces generally do not freeze well, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sun-dried tomatoes separately. Reheat the sauce fresh and toss with thawed pasta for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the saucy goodness. Microwaving is possible, but stirring often and adding moisture prevents the sauce from separating or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking to avoid diluting the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy depth.
Is sun-dried tomato paste an option?
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomato paste can intensify the tomato flavor, but use sparingly since it is more concentrated.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair wonderfully with this spaghetti, turning it into a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that’s just bursting with comfort and brightness all at once. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—once you try it, it’s going to be a beloved staple in your kitchen for many meals to come!
