Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti; 5 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped; ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar; ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. The creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the tender pasta and fresh spinach. It’s a quick yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Flavorful: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a punch of flavor to the creamy sauce.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
Vegetarian-Friendly: A great meatless option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a simple, delicious recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):

Spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
Fresh spinach
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese
Garlic and onion
Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Once the sauce is creamy and thick, toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your pasta hot, with extra Parmesan on top if you like.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of cream.
Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water to add to the sauce if it feels too thick!
You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even artichokes to the sauce for more texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon would all be great additions if you’d like to add some protein.
Use a Different Green: If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale or arugula could work just as well.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy spaghetti with a simple side salad, like a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the sauce. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, pairs nicely with the creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! Just be sure to chop them finely and cook them down in the sauce for flavor.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for topping.

3. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be fantastic in this dish!

4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Frozen spinach works fine. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is everything you want in a comfort meal: creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish is sure to please. Try it out and let me know how it goes—I have a feeling it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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This quick and flavorful dish combines whole-wheat spaghetti with a creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook Pasta and Wilt Spinach: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Place the chopped spinach in a large colander in the sink. Once the pasta is done, drain it over the spinach to wilt the leaves.
Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sun-dried tomatoes; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by about half, approximately 2 minutes.
Incorporate Dairy: Lower the heat to medium and mix in the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.