Spaghetti & Spinach in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender spaghetti noodles with vibrant fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together quickly and satisfies any pasta lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the roughly chopped spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and stir well to combine the cream with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, creating a creamy texture.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the rich cream sauce and vegetables.
- Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a minute to let the flavors meld beautifully. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh herb aroma.
- Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal perfect for family or guests.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping to avoid excess oiliness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if desired.
- Fresh basil garnish enhances freshness but can be skipped if unavailable.
Keywords: spaghetti recipe, spinach pasta, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, easy pasta dish, creamy pasta, vegetarian Italian recipe
