Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
There’s something magical about twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with tender spinach leaves peeking through. Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those meals that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for any night of the week. This dish delivers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and a comforting warmth in every bite.
I still remember the first time I made Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for my family. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty yet simple. As the aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filled the kitchen, my family gathered around, eager to taste what was cooking. That first bite creamy, tangy, and rich was an instant hit. Now, it’s a go-to favorite, a recipe I turn to when I need a delicious meal without hours of effort.
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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the ultimate weeknight pasta recipe. With tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, it’s a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- ½ cup onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Additional crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. - Wilt the spinach:
Place chopped spinach in a colander. When the pasta is done, drain it directly over the spinach to wilt the leaves. Set aside. - Sauté aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add onions and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened. - Add seasonings:
Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. - Deglaze and simmer:
Increase heat to medium-high. Pour in broth, scraping the pan to deglaze. Let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. - Make it creamy:
Lower heat to medium. Stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated. - Combine:
Add the drained pasta and wilted spinach to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Don’t skip the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar—it adds rich, savory flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
- Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Pair this pasta with garlic bread, green salad, or a bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup for a cozy, complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: ~390
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~390mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~6g
- Protein: ~13g
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach spaghetti, quick weeknight dinner, Mediterranean pasta, 20-minute pasta, vegetarian pasta
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and creamy texture: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce coats every strand of spaghetti beautifully.
- Packed with nutrients: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Customizable: Make it vegetarian-friendly, add protein, or tweak ingredients to your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process:
- 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
- ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Step 2: Equipment Needed
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large saucepan – Used for boiling the spaghetti.
- Large colander – Helps with draining pasta and wilting spinach efficiently.
- Large skillet – Ideal for preparing the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Useful for stirring ingredients evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
Step 3: Cooking
Follow these steps to bring everything together. If you enjoy a variety of pasta dishes, consider trying this classic Italian Drunken Noodles recipe for another flavorful meal idea.
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions.
- Wilt the spinach: Place spinach in a colander. Drain the cooked spaghetti over it to wilt the leaves instantly.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add seasoning: Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high. Add broth and let it reduce by half (about 2 minutes).
- Make it creamy: Stir in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter, mixing until smooth and well combined.
- Combine everything: Add the spaghetti and spinach to the sauce, tossing until well coated.
Step 4: Assembly & Serving
- Plate the pasta immediately for the best texture.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. If you’re a fan of hearty and comforting dishes, you might also love this delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup, which pairs beautifully with a pasta night.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Skipping the oil from sun-dried tomatoes: This oil is packed with flavor and enhances the sauce.
- Overcooking the spinach: The residual heat from the pasta is enough to wilt it.
- Not reducing the broth properly: Allowing it to reduce enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Using low-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Use whole-wheat spaghetti for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper.
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs About Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Use whole-wheat spaghetti, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, and reduce the butter amount.
Yes! Store the sauce and pasta separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor.
Italians often add sun-dried tomatoes to pasta, salads, and antipasti dishes for an intense burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a must-try for pasta lovers. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor all while being simple to prepare. Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments! For a sweet ending to your meal, consider whipping up these Best Chocolate Crepes to complement your pasta dinner. Don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with friends and family. 🍝✨
