Imagine twirling a forkful of spaghetti that’s just bursting with the earthy flavors of spinach and the rich, creamy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul. Elote Pasta Salad The combination of creamy sauce, vibrant greens, and the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta is pure comfort food bliss.
Now, picture yourself at a dinner party where everyone’s raving about your culinary skills while you sit back, feigning modesty, all thanks to this delightful recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Baked Eggs Florentine recipe Get ready for an unforgettable flavor journey that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and fresh spinach brings a burst of flavor
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it brightens up any table
- Versatile enough to add protein like chicken or shrimp, it’s customizable to suit any palate
I remember serving this dish at a family gathering, and you could hear a pin drop as everyone savored every bite. The compliments poured in like a fine wine.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Birria Nachos for a crowd.
- Spaghetti: Choose high-quality pasta for the best texture; dried spaghetti works great for this recipe. Mexican Street Corn Tostadas.
- Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for tenderness; rinse well to remove any grit before cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor; chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream to achieve that dreamy, luscious sauce consistency.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth; sauté until fragrant but avoid burning it.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for enhanced flavor; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
- Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; use it wisely to coat flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Add a pinch if you like a bit of heat in your sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
Create the Cream Sauce: Lower heat and pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and allow the mixture to simmer gently until thickened.
Toss Everything Together: Drain pasta and reserve some cooking water. Combine spaghetti with the cream sauce in the skillet. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Add Finishing Touches: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve Immediately: Plate the spaghetti while hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh black pepper. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is bound to become a favorite at your table—perfectly creamy with pops of flavor from each ingredient!
You Must Know
- Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce brings a burst of flavor and vibrant colors
- This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some greens
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the spaghetti while sautéing garlic and spinach in a pan. Once the pasta is al dente, combine everything with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for extra protein. A sprinkle of parmesan or red pepper flakes can elevate this dish to new heights based on your preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking pasta, always add salt to the water; it enhances flavor
- Sauté vegetables until just tender for optimal texture
- For cream sauce, use half-and-half for richness without overwhelming heaviness
The first time I made Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, my friends raved about it so much that I ended up making it every week!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Using fresh tomatoes will change the sauce’s texture but can still be delicious.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute cream with coconut milk and cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
What sides pair well with this pasta dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements Spaghetti & Spinach beautifully! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a luscious cream sauce infused with rich sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant spinach. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With every bite, experience the harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream, and stir constantly. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~300g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added protein, include grilled chicken or shrimp. Swap spinach for kale for a different flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.
