Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If you are craving a pasta dish that bursts with vibrant colors and layered flavors, then Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish effortlessly combines tender spaghetti enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh earthiness of spinach. Each bite brings a perfect balance of richness and freshness that will have you smiling and coming back for seconds in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find, but each one plays a vital role in creating the comforting yet vibrant flavor profile of this dish. They contribute texture, color, and that unmistakable creamy indulgence you’ll love.

• 12 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully and offers that satisfying bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of savory aroma that is essential to the sauce’s flavor depth.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings tangy sweetness and vibrant color, making the sauce irresistible.
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast, wilting into the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The star ingredient that creates the rich, silky cream sauce coating every strand of spaghetti.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding umami depth and a naturally salty finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat, a sprinkle will do wonders.

How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This will give you pasta that’s firm but tender, which is the ideal canvas for your creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain well and set aside, making sure not to rinse away the starch that helps the sauce cling.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for about one minute. The key here is to coax out the garlic’s natural aroma without browning it, so the fragrance infuses the oil and sets the flavorful foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes soften, which takes just a couple of minutes. This mixture combines vibrant sweet and earthy notes that will elevate your dish to another level.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and begin stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese little by little, allowing it to melt evenly and create a smooth, creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens, as the rich cream blends with the savory cheese and tangy tomatoes.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Finally, add your cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are perfectly coated with the sauce. Taste your creation, then season generously with salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This last step ensures your dish has that perfectly balanced flavor.

How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle a bit of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a salty crunch and enhance the cheesy goodness. You can also scatter a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of green color and fresh aroma that complements the cream sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another great choice to scoop up any remaining sauce on the plate and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, plate the spaghetti in neat nests on your dish and drizzle extra sauce around the edges. You can also serve this pasta in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel. Adding toasted pine nuts on top adds unexpected crunch that guests always love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing to maintain its texture and freshness.

Freezing

Because of the cream sauce, freezing is not ideal as it can alter the sauce’s texture and cause separation upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so quickly after cooking and use within one month, then gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to help restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a little water, broth, or cream if the sauce feels too thick to bring back that perfect sauce consistency. Stir often and serve as soon as heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes can be used, sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor that is key to this sauce’s unique profile. If using fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them first to enhance their sweetness.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin. Just make sure to use Parmesan cheese that is labeled vegetarian if you are strict about animal rennet.

Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

You can try substituting with half-and-half or a full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and creamy.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or skip them altogether for a milder taste.

What’s the best way to make the pasta creamy without the sauce splitting?

Low and slow heat is your best friend here. Allow the cheese to melt gradually into the warm cream, and avoid boiling once cheese is added. Stir constantly and keep the heat gentle to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that makes it a standout comfort meal with a gourmet touch. It feels indulgent yet fresh, easy to make but impressive enough for company. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it one of your beloved go-to dinners that brings both joy and satisfaction to your table.

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