Picture this: A twirl of perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, flecked with vibrant spinach, and bursting with rich, savory flavors. Sounds dreamy, right? Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer. It’s got that restaurant-quality feel but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish to impress guests, this one checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a dinner party, this dish fits the occasion. You can dress it up with fancy garnishes or keep it simple for a quick, satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive ingredients—this dish makes the most out of pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Customizable: Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want more protein? Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp. This recipe is super flexible!
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor—both kids and adults will love it.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Spaghetti: The foundation of this dish, perfectly al dente pasta soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. Use your favorite variety—classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs bring a deep, tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the rich sauce while sneaking in some extra nutrients.
Garlic: Because what’s pasta without a hit of aromatic garlic? It enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety texture that makes the sauce utterly irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-packed addition that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and tomatoes, infusing the dish with even more depth of flavor.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs ties everything together.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant and slightly softened.
Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently before adding Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the Spinach:
Toss in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired, and dig in!
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
- Protein Pairing: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Additional Tips
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Boost the Flavor: A splash of white wine in the sauce adds depth.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little added water or cream.
- Freeze It: The sauce freezes well—just make a batch and store it separately to add to fresh pasta later.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
A1: Yes! Fresh tomatoes will give a lighter, fresher taste, but sun-dried tomatoes add a deeper, more concentrated flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Cook everything, then store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or cream before serving.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles work great in this recipe.
Q4: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Just swap regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q6: Can I add meat to this dish?
A6: Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta would pair beautifully.
Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: Let it simmer a little longer, or stir in extra Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Q8: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A8: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a thicker consistency, mix in a bit of cornstarch.
Q9: What can I use instead of Parmesan?
A9: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Q10: Can I add mushrooms?
A10: Yes! Sautéed mushrooms would add a lovely umami depth to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a simple, yet seriously satisfying pasta dish that brings big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re indulging in a solo dinner, impressing guests, or whipping up a quick family meal, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce will hit the spot every time. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a perfect blend of creamy richness and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, making it an irresistible pasta dish. With fresh spinach and whole-wheat spaghetti, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for homemade recipes, quick dinner ideas, or fine dining recipes that are easy to prepare, thi
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegetarian option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, place fresh spinach in a colander. Drain the hot pasta over it to wilt the spinach. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes (or olive oil if using). Add garlic and onions, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach, tossing everything together. Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Swap whole-wheat pasta for gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg