Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 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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Introduction

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s simple to make. Combining fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

A bowl of spaghetti coated in a creamy orange sauce with flecks of red chili and black pepper. The noodles are thick and twisted, mixed with dark green spinach leaves and pieces of sun-dried tomatoes scattered throughout. The sauce looks smooth and rich, clinging to the pasta evenly. The white bowl contrasts with the warm colors of the dish, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when simmering the cream sauce.
Substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different green.
If you prefer a lighter dish, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein and heartiness.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a creamy pasta dish with several thick, golden-yellow spaghetti strands coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Mixed within the pasta are dark green spinach leaves and pieces of deep red sun-dried tomatoes, scattered evenly throughout. The dish is sprinkled lightly with cracked black pepper and tiny red flakes, adding texture and color contrast. The creamy sauce clings well to the pasta, giving it a glossy finish. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach works best for this recipe because it wilts quickly and adds vibrant color and texture. Dried spinach will not have the same freshness and may alter the dish’s flavor and appearance.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide tang and depth to the sauce, but you can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them if you prefer a milder taste.