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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, Italian, vegetarian, quick dinner