Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pasta. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal. Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce combines all the goodness of fresh spinach, hearty whole-wheat spaghetti, and a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce. This recipe takes a classic pasta dish and adds layers of flavor with vibrant vegetables and the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence.

This dish is a fantastic option for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve at a family gathering. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami, while the spinach brings in a bright, earthy flavor. The cream sauce, made with sour cream and Parmesan, provides a smooth, comforting finish to the dish. What makes this meal even better is that it’s not only delicious but also a nutritious choice, with the whole-wheat spaghetti and fresh spinach offering fiber and vitamins. It’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce stand out is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The earthy, fresh spinach adds a lovely contrast to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in a way that feels indulgent without being too heavy. It’s the perfect comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice health for flavor.

The whole-wheat spaghetti adds an extra layer of texture and nutrients, making the dish more hearty and filling. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, which is rich yet light enough to keep the dish feeling fresh. With just the right amount of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes and the savory undertones of Parmesan, this pasta is a winner for anyone who loves bold, well-balanced flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole family, this recipe can easily be scaled to fit your needs. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also flexible enough to accommodate various dietary preferences whether you’re vegetarian or looking to add some protein, it’s a versatile dish that can be personalized to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti (or your preferred type):

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve some oil): Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with intense flavor and provide a delightful tanginess to the sauce. The oil they are packed in can be used for sautéing, adding an extra layer of richness.
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped: Red onion brings a mild sweetness and a touch of color to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with the tang of the sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess of the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a key ingredient for adding depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce. Its savory punch enhances the overall profile of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to the dish, giving it a little kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and bring the dish together.
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The broth serves as the base for the sauce, adding moisture and depth of flavor while keeping the sauce light.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and tang to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan is essential for adding savory, umami flavor to the sauce. It melts beautifully into the cream and broth, creating a smooth, luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Preparation

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making this flavorful Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the whole-wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 9-11 minutes for al dente pasta. Whole-wheat pasta tends to take a little longer to cook than regular pasta, so be sure to check the texture before draining.

While the pasta is cooking, move on to the next steps to prepare the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. The onions and garlic will provide a fragrant base for the sauce, infusing it with savory, aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the broth with their tangy, slightly sweet flavor, while the onion and garlic add depth. The broth helps to create a nice sauce base without being too heavy, providing the perfect consistency for the cream sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. The sour cream will give the sauce a slight tang, while the Parmesan adds richness and depth.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps to create the perfect consistency, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta without being too runny or too thick.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Combine Everything

Once the sauce is ready, add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan. Stir gently, allowing the spinach to wilt into the sauce. The spinach will cook down quickly, releasing its moisture and adding a vibrant green color to the dish. It also brings a mild, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the sauce.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, making each bite deliciously flavorful.

Once everything is combined, it’s time to serve!

Variations

This Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for making the recipe your own:

1. Add Protein

To make this dish heartier, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage would be great additions. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the pasta before serving.

2. Make it Vegan

For a vegan version of this dish, use plant-based pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta) and swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.

3. Increase the Heat

If you like a little more spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced fresh chili peppers. This will add an extra kick to the sauce, balancing out the creamy richness.

4. Swap the Vegetables

While spinach is a great addition to this pasta, you can easily swap it for other greens. Kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard would work well in this dish, adding different textures and flavors. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for variety.

Cooking Notes

• Cooking the Pasta: It’s essential to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture in this dish. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture that won’t hold up well to the creamy sauce. Be sure to check the pasta a minute or two before the package recommends to ensure it has the perfect bite.
• Choosing the Right Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal for this recipe because they’re more flavorful and tender compared to dry-packed versions. The oil from the tomatoes can also be used to sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
• Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth to thin it out. This not only adjusts the texture but also helps the sauce better adhere to the pasta.
• Leftover Sauce: If you have leftover creamy sauce, it makes a great dip for bread or a topping for roasted vegetables. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a flavorful and filling dish on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it with complementary sides:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The crunchy texture of the bread pairs beautifully with the soft pasta and creamy sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the pasta. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad to add a bit of crisp freshness to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or roasted tomatoes complement the flavors in the pasta and add a smoky char to the dish.

Tips

• Meal Prep: This pasta is great for meal prep! Make the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta and spinach. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, up to 3 months.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a pan with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. For best results, avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
• Customizing the Sauce: If you want a more intense sun-dried tomato flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar to the sauce. It will infuse the sauce with even more of that rich, tangy flavor that sun-dried tomatoes are known for.
• Substitute for Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Keep in mind that this may result in a slightly thinner sauce, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 16g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Whole-wheat spaghetti adds extra fiber and nutrients, but feel free to use regular spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary preferences.

2. What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes in oil? If you can’t find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can use dry-packed ones and soak them in olive oil or warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them. The flavor may be a bit milder, but they will still work well in the sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. If you’re preparing the entire dish in advance, be sure to cook the pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.

4. How can I make this dish spicier? If you prefer more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan? While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a dish that effortlessly combines rich, creamy flavors with the freshness of spinach and the savory kick of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just craving something hearty and comforting, this pasta is sure to hit the spot. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

We encourage you to try this dish for yourself and experiment with different variations. Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments section we’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! And if you enjoy this dish, be sure to check out our other pasta recipes for more delicious inspiration. Happy cooking!

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