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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti and tender spinach in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This savory recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and garlic undertones, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant meals with a comforting yet sophisticated taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz good-quality dried or fresh spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain, reserving a little pasta water, and set spaghetti aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green.
  3. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with spinach. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
  4. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Finish with Parmesan and Season: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly mixed. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use high-quality oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Don’t overcook spinach to maintain its bright color and nutrients.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to avoid breaking or curdling.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for superior melting and taste.
  • For vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Protein additions like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can make the dish more filling.
  • Use gluten-free spaghetti or zoodles for gluten intolerance.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, Italian, vegetarian, quick dinner