Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy, garlicky sauce. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making this dish a perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Flavorful: The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, umami depth to the luscious cream sauce.
• Easy & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: A satisfying meatless option packed with flavor.
• Customizable: Add protein or extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Baby spinach
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Butter
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Melt in the Cheese: Add grated Parmesan and stir until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add the Spinach & Pasta: Toss in the fresh spinach and cooked spaghetti, stirring until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Finish & Serve: Stir in butter for extra richness, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra heartiness.
• Make It Vegan: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
• Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers add even more depth.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well with the creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan cheese.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted cherry tomatoes or tomato paste can add a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Does this dish reheat well?

Yes, but reheat gently with extra liquid to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even pancetta pair well with the flavors.

What kind of broth should I use?

Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth adds extra richness.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually if needed while mixing.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes have a more concentrated, tangy flavor.

What side dishes go well with this pasta?

Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream is an easy, flavorful dish that delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress. Enjoy it hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan!