Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
A delightful and creamy pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, flavored with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Season the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Let the dish sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful meal with family or friends!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for richer flavor; if using dry, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a fragrant touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream sauce, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, garlic, Parmesan, Italian cuisine
