When you think of comfort food, nothing quite matches the creamy indulgence of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Picture this: silky pasta twirled around vibrant green spinach, all enveloped in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that sings with flavor. creamy pasta dish The aroma wafts through the kitchen, and before you know it, your mouth is watering in anticipation.
Now, let me take you back to a cozy dinner night when I first stumbled upon this heavenly dish. I was trying to impress my friends with something that sounded fancy but didn’t require a degree from culinary school. perfect side dish for pasta Spoiler alert: they were swooning over every bite! This dish is perfect for date nights, weekend family dinners, or even when you just need to treat yourself after a long day. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- The rich flavors will have you coming back for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for dinner parties
- Plus, you can customize it by adding proteins or other veggies based on your cravings
I remember serving this dish to my friends and watching their faces light up as they took the first bite. light and flavorful wraps It became an instant favorite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Use your favorite pasta shape; spaghetti offers the best twirl factor for that creamy sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they wilt beautifully and add nutrition and color. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed ones for added flavor; they bring a delightful tanginess to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This provides that luscious creaminess; feel free to use half-and-half if you’re feeling lighthearted.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are key here; they infuse the sauce with aromatic goodness that’s hard to resist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh for optimal flavor; it adds a salty richness that blends perfectly with the cream.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle elevates flavors; use good quality olive oil for the best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust them according to taste to really enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cooking this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is like dancing in your kitchen—fun and rewarding!
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in fresh spinach until wilted, around 3-4 minutes.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and spinach. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Allow it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Add Pasta to Sauce: Introduce your drained spaghetti into the skillet with sauce. Mix well while adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta while tossing everything together until creamy and combined. fresh summer pasta recipe Taste test and adjust seasoning as needed.
Enjoy this delicious meal while it’s hot! You’ll find yourself lost in its creamy embrace as each forkful brings joy.
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is not just food; it’s an experience full of laughter, warmth, and delightful flavors. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Cooking Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is all about balance
- The rich cream sauce pairs beautifully with the freshness of spinach, creating a mouthwatering dish
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it thicken to achieve that dreamy consistency
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To get the best results, start by cooking the pasta first while you make the sauce. This way, everything comes together perfectly without overcooking the noodles.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for extra protein. A sprinkle of feta cheese or chili flakes can elevate your dish further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choosing quality sun-dried tomatoes will enhance flavor significantly
- Always taste as you go; seasoning can vary based on personal preference
- Keep an eye on your pasta; overcooked noodles can ruin your dish’s texture
Cooking this dish reminds me of a dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds. Their delighted faces made all those cooking tips worth it!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, fresh tomatoes add a different flavor but require more cooking time.
What can I substitute for cream?
You can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter option.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love pasta and creamy sauces; just adjust spices to their taste.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, where silky pasta meets vibrant spinach in a luscious, creamy sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. With the perfect balance of richness from the cream and tanginess from sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is a warm embrace that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted (3-4 minutes).
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and spinach. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, mixing well while gradually adding reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan over the pasta, tossing until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 335g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Swap spinach for kale for a different flavor profile. For extra zest, sprinkle chili flakes or crumble feta cheese on top before serving.
