Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and flavorful recipe brings a perfect balance of creamy texture and vibrant flavors, ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down and the tomatoes are heated through.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and slightly thickened.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if preferred. Serve hot and enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy sauce and vibrant, fresh ingredients.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and moisture.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: spaghetti recipe, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, spinach pasta, creamy pasta dish, vegetarian Italian pasta