Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

This recipe is inspired by a little Italian trattoria I stumbled upon during a trip to San Francisco years ago. It was tucked away on a quiet side street, and the aroma of garlic and herbs spilled out onto the sidewalk, beckoning me in. I ordered a simple pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce that was utterly divine. I’ve been trying to recreate that magic ever since, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until I landed on this version. This spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce is my homage to that unforgettable meal, a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s a dish that is quick to prepare, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a list of kitchen essentials for making this delicious spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Garlic press (optional)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti & Spinach

This spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Flavor explosion: The combination of sweet sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, creamy sauce, and savory garlic is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or spices.
• Comfort food with a healthy twist: While it’s indulgent, this dish also incorporates plenty of spinach for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
• Crowd-pleaser: This spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce is always a hit with family and friends.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Fun Variations You Can Try

Want to spice things up? Here are a few fun variations you can try with this spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be delicious additions to this dish. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the skillet along with the spinach.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the skillet along with the spinach.
• Use different pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or rotini would all work well in this recipe.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Add lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the flavors of this dish. Add it to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Go dairy-free: Use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese.

How I Love to Serve It

This spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce is a complete meal on its own, but I also love to serve it with:

• A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce
• Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli
• A glass of sparkling water or iced tea
• As a potluck dish, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

Making this spaghetti spinach sun-dried tomato cream sauce is straightforward, but here are a few extra tips to ensure success:

• Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the entire dish. Keep the heat at medium and watch the garlic carefully, stirring frequently.
• Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes: The flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes is crucial to this recipe. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes that are plump and have a vibrant color. Drain them well before chopping.
• Don’t overcook the spinach: Spinach wilts quickly, so don’t overcook it. Cook it just until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its flavor.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
• Reserve pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
• Warm the serving bowls: For an extra touch, warm the serving bowls before plating the spaghetti. This will help to keep the dish warm longer.

Important Cooking Reminders

Keep these important reminders in mind while preparing your spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce:

• Safety first: Always use caution when working with hot stoves, pots, and knives.
• Read the recipe: Before you start cooking, read the entire recipe from start to finish to make sure you understand all the steps.
• Prepare your ingredients: Before you start cooking, chop all the vegetables, measure out the spices, and have everything ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
• Don’t leave the stove unattended: When cooking with oil, never leave the stove unattended. Oil can quickly overheat and catch fire.
• Clean as you go: Cleaning up as you go will make the final cleanup much easier.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of this spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 650-750
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 35-45g
• Saturated Fat: 20-25g
• Cholesterol: 120-150mg
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g
• Fiber: 5-7g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Common Questions You Might Have

Here are some common questions people ask about making spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce:

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 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce. You may need to add a little extra cream or pasta water to thin out the sauce.

Can I freeze this recipe?

While you *can* freeze the sauce, the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You can also try using cashew cream or coconut cream for a vegan alternative.

Conclusion

This spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and healthy spinach creates a perfectly balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti spinach sun dried tomato cream sauce!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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• Author: Emily Wilkinson
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

The Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 750
• Sodium: 700
• Fat: 45
• Protein: 25-30

Find it online: https://tastysimply.com/spaghetti-spinach-with-sun-dried-tomato-cream-sauce/