Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Hey there! Have you ever craved something super yummy but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce is a total game-changer!

I tried it one busy weeknight, and oh my gosh, it’s like a hug in a bowl. The creamy sauce, the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the fresh spinach? It all comes together so perfectly, you won’t believe how easy it is.

What I love most is how fancy it tastes—like something from a restaurant—but you can whip it up in no time. Plus, it’s got spinach, so I feel like I’m eating kind of healthy, you know?

So, grab your favorite pasta and let’s make this dish! Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s do this!

Easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Comfort Food: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a bold, tangy punch, balanced by creamy Parmesan goodness.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: Great as is, but can also be customized with protein like chicken or shrimp.
  • Customizable: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or use gluten-free spaghetti to fit your preferences.
  • One-Pot Wonder: You’ll only need a few dishes, making cleanup a breeze.

Required Kitchen Tools

  • Large pot (for boiling the spaghetti)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or pasta fork (for tossing the spaghetti)
  • Cheese grater (if grating fresh Parmesan)

Ingredients for the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients for the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delightful dish:

  • Whole-Wheat Spaghetti: Or use your favorite pasta variety.
  • Fresh Spinach: A heaping handful of greens for nutrition and flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Preferably oil-packed for the best texture and taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious sauce. Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk if needed.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast works for a vegan option.
  • Garlic: Minced or finely chopped for an aromatic base.
  • Olive Oil: Optional but adds a little richness.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
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Variations for Spaghetti & Spinach

  • Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for added heartiness.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Add a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Having everything ready to go will make cooking stress-free.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Toss the sliced sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Let them sizzle with the garlic for 2-3 minutes to release their flavor.

5. Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the leaves wilt, which should take about 2 minutes. You might need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough.

6. Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If it looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

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7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss everything together, ensuring every strand of pasta is coated. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Add Parmesan and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.

How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients for the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is best served fresh and hot. Pile the pasta into bowls and garnish with:

  • Extra grated Parmesan
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves or parsley for a pop of color

Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.

Storing Spaghetti & Spinach

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: While the sauce alone can be frozen, pasta may not maintain its texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, keep the sauce and pasta separate.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories~450
Protein12g
Carbohydrates52g
Fat20g
Fiber6g

Recipe Card: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Recipe by Erin Shweta
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

~450

kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) whole-wheat spaghetti

  • 3 cups fresh spinach

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced)

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  • Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  • Toss the spaghetti into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  • Sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

FAQs for Spaghetti & Spinach

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. Make it tonight and enjoy every creamy, tangy, garlicky bite!

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