Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Extra Parmesan for serving

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is an absolute winner you’ll want to make again and again. Silky-smooth cream sauce laced with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach transforms classic pasta into an Italian-inspired hug in a bowl. This recipe comes together in just thirty minutes, but the flavors taste like you’ve cooked for hours. Whether you’re rounding up a family dinner or treating yourself to something satisfying, this easy vegetarian pasta brings color, flavor, and that irresistible creamy texture with every single bite.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce so magical? It’s all about smart, simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table — from rich cream to zippy sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips to make every ingredient shine its brightest.

Spaghetti: This is the backbone of the dish, and classic semolina spaghetti holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality olive oil for a rich, smooth base flavor as you sauté the garlic.
Garlic (minced): Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil (drained & chopped): These add concentrated sweetness and a pop of color throughout the pasta.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luscious sauce that hugs every noodle — feel free to use coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty, Parmesan melts into the sauce for depth of flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch will give you a gentle kick of heat that balances the creaminess.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish, and don’t forget to season your pasta water too!
Black Pepper: Adds a tiny bite and rounds out the flavors in every forkful.
Fresh Spinach: A hefty handful cooks down to tender green ribbons, making this dish both beautiful and nutritious.
Fresh Basil (chopped): Stirred in at the end, basil brings a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.
Extra Parmesan for serving: Grate it right over the top for a cozy finish and extra richness.

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

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, make sure to scoop out a generous half cup of the starchy pasta water — this little trick will help your sauce cling to every strand.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute, being careful not to let it brown. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another two minutes, coaxing out their sweetness and allowing them to perfume the oil.

Step 3: Simmer the Cream Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into your skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little tingle, salt, and black pepper. Let it all bubble away for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Pile in the fresh spinach and stir gently. Watch as it wilts into the cream sauce, turning a vibrant green and blending seamlessly with the rich, tomato-flecked mixture. This only takes a minute or two — just enough for the spinach to lose its rawness while still looking bright.

Step 5: Toss with Spaghetti and Basil

Add your drained spaghetti straight into the skillet and give it a thorough toss. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of your reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce clings silkily to every noodle. Remove from the heat, stir in the fresh basil, and get ready to serve up your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce while it’s piping hot.

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

Garnishes

For a restaurant-quality finish, shower each bowl with extra grated Parmesan and a few more slivers of sun-dried tomato. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a flourish of torn fresh basil leaves takes this dish over the top, both in looks and flavor.

Side Dishes

Since Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is rich and creamy, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A few slices of crusty bread make sure none of that gorgeous sauce goes to waste!

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by twirling each serving into neat pasta nests with a carving fork or serving tongs — it’s a simple trick that’s sure to impress. Or, for family-style dining, heap the whole dish onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves. A scattering of edible flowers or microgreens makes it absolutely celebration-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as scrumptious the next day.

Freezing

Although creamy pastas aren’t always freezer-friendly, this dish holds up beautifully if you let it cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the creamy texture if the sauce has thickened up. Give it a good stir, and it’ll be as luscious as when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni would work beautifully with the creamy sauce and spinach. Just keep an eye on the cooking times for different shapes.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy cream (like cashew or coconut cream) and a plant-based Parmesan. The result is still rich and satisfying, with all the gorgeous flavors of the original.

Can I add protein to Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

Of course — grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or sautéed tofu are all delicious ways to make this dish heartier while keeping the flavors balanced and fresh.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep your heat at a gentle simmer and add the cream slowly, stirring well as you go. Using heavy cream (instead of lighter alternatives) is another way to ensure the sauce stays silky and smooth from start to finish.

What’s the best way to keep spinach vibrant?

Add the spinach just at the end of cooking and stir until it wilts, but don’t let it sit too long — this preserves both its bright color and fresh flavor, making your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce pop on the plate.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself a treat and add Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce to your dinner rotation soon. It’s a little bit fancy, forever comforting, and sure to earn rave reviews from everyone around your table. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich cream sauce creates a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook garlic. Add sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently and add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Add Spinach and Combine: Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in fresh basil.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan.