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!