If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both comforting and a little bit special, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around perfectly cooked spaghetti and tender spinach, creating a beautiful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s straightforward to make but packed with so much character that it instantly becomes a favorite meal to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a deliciously rich and vibrant dish. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and color, making this recipe both easy and impressive.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The classic shape that lets the sauce cling to every strand.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a lovely green pop and a gentle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a sweet, tangy depth that brightens the cream sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, silky base that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory sharpness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The foundation for sautéing and adding fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors just right.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This really is the foundation — getting your pasta perfectly tender but firm ensures every bite is delightful. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside, ready for the creamy magic to come.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic to Release Aroma
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant and golden, which only takes about a minute. This step unlocks loads of flavor, setting a fragrant base for the sauce that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Infuse with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Stir them as the spinach begins to wilt — watching those vibrant greens soften while the deep red tomatoes release their sweet-tangy goodness is just a joy. This combo brings freshness and vibrant color to wrap around your pasta.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream, and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy. The cheese melts into the cream making the sauce irresistibly smooth and savory, perfectly coating the spinach and tomatoes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Season
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Toss everything together gently so each strand of pasta is bathed in that luscious sauce. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking — this simple touch brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is combined and seasoned, the dish is ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed fresh, warm, and shared with loved ones who appreciate a comforting yet sophisticated pasta dish that feels just right any day of the week.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, try sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley on top — it adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful green pop. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either, creating a cheesy finish that melts into the sauce as you dig in.
Side Dishes
Since the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is rich and hearty, pairing it with a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables can bring lovely balance to the meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes perfect companions to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special meal, serve this pasta in beautiful shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Layering roasted pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs on top adds a delightful crunch, surprising guests with texture along with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken overnight, so giving it a little stir or adding a splash of cream or water when reheating helps bring back its silky consistency.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Make sure to cool it completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe on low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t separate. Adding a little cream or milk can refresh the texture, making it taste almost as good as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach works best here because it wilts quickly and retains a vibrant color and fresh flavor. Dried spinach might not provide the same texture or visual appeal, but if pressed, rehydrated dried spinach can be used in a pinch.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for thickness, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative, adding a subtle sweetness.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits complement this recipe wonderfully. Just cook your protein separately and mix it in during the final tossing step.
Are sun-dried tomatoes always packed in oil?
Nope. Sun-dried tomatoes come both dry and oil-packed. For this recipe, oil-packed tomatoes add extra richness, but if using dry-packed ones, rehydrate them in warm water first and adjust the olive oil in the recipe accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version isn’t vegan due to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. However, swapping in coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast can create a delicious plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is truly a gem in the kitchen, combining simple ingredients into a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or friends, it’s one of those satisfying meals that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover this combination sooner!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe, perfect for a creamy, flavorful meal in just 25 minutes. Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes combine with a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with tender spaghetti for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Oils
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook spinach and sun-dried tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook until the spinach is fully wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously and cook the mixture until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the cream sauce and vegetables. Toss well to combine and evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy spaghetti immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, or rehydrate dry-packed ones in warm water before chopping.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Serve with fresh basil or parsley for added aroma and color.
