Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors with a subtle hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an excellent weeknight meal that feels both comforting and gourmet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine the cream with the vegetables and garlic in the skillet.
- Season the Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for a minute to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot and enjoy this delightful meal with family or friends.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free of animal rennet.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before use.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
