If you’ve been looking for a pasta dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place! Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine is one of those dishes that brings a little bit of everything—creamy, savory, and just the right amount of zing from the sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to something special, even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
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Why You’ll Love Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is far from basic. Let’s break it down:
Linguine: The perfect pasta to hold all the creamy, flavorful sauce. Its smooth texture pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. As it cooks, it wilts down and blends into the sauce, giving every bite a rich, earthy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little guys pack a punch! Their intense, tangy flavor is a game-changer in this dish, giving it that irresistible, slightly sweet depth.
Garlic: A must for that savory, aromatic base. Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant kick.
Heavy Cream: The creamy base that brings everything together. It makes the dish luxurious and comforting, without being too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this cheesy goodness adds saltiness and depth to the sauce, making every bite pure bliss.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Linguine: Start by cooking your linguine in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. When it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors come together.
Make It Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Add the Spinach: Throw in the spinach, stirring occasionally until it wilts down and blends into the sauce. The vibrant green color adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce looks a little too thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish with Parmesan: Once everything is combined, remove from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it extra rich and indulgent.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish up your linguine, and enjoy! Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delightful:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Garlic bread or a simple baguette would be perfect.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, would make a great side to complement the creamy pasta.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own. Just top it off with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika to give the dish a little more depth and warmth.
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using a lower-fat cream or a milk alternative.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to bring back that creamy texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes well! Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy dinner later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes?
A1: While fresh tomatoes are great, sun-dried tomatoes really bring an intense, tangy flavor to this dish. If you don’t have them, you can try adding a little tomato paste or roasted tomatoes for a similar taste!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to bring it back to life.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it! Just place the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little cream or water to prevent it from drying out.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just be sure to use a large skillet or divide the dish into two pans to ensure even cooking.
Q7: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A7: Definitely! Feel free to swap out linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
Q8: How can I make this dish vegan?
A8: Use a plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly!
Q9: Can I add protein to this dish?
A9: Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would be great additions to make the dish more filling.
Q10: How spicy is this dish?
A10: It’s not spicy unless you add crushed red pepper flakes, so feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking!
Conclusion
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine is everything you want in a comforting pasta dish—creamy, savory, and just a little bit zesty. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Linguine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy linguine with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Made in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and a comforting creaminess that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood. A must-try for anyone looking for healthy recipes, recipes for dinner, or recipes appetizers and snacks. With spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this Italian classic doubles as one of those simple high protein meals that’s perfect for quick high protein meals or light vegetarian options.
Ingredients
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8 oz linguine
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1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup half-and-half
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1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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6 oz spinach
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5 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Instructions
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Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
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Pour in the half-and-half, add paprika and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese (½ cup). Continue stirring until melted and the sauce begins to thicken. If needed, add more cheese to thicken or a splash of half-and-half to thin.
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Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 1 minute).
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Add the drained linguine and toss well to combine with the sauce.
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Adjust salt to taste and garnish with chopped basil before serving.
Notes
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This pasta is great on its own or with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein.
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Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer sauce, or use a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 424
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg