Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously creamy and easy homemade pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce combines rich sun-dried tomatoes with smooth cream and vibrant spinach for a comforting texture and flavor. This one-pot meal comes together quickly and uses simple pantry staples, making it beginner-friendly and family-approved. Pair it with my Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad for a balanced Italian-inspired dinner.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick homemade comfort food packed with creamy, flavorful sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect weeknight meal!
- Rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with fresh spinach
- Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for weeknight dinners
- Uses pantry staples and minimal ingredients
- Family-friendly and beginner-proof recipe
Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor; if unavailable, use dried and rehydrate in warm water.Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best; frozen spinach can be used but squeeze out excess water.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor; if unavailable, use dried and rehydrate in warm water.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best; frozen spinach can be used but squeeze out excess water.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Expert Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce perfectly.
- Use good quality Parmesan for authentic taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook spinach; add last to keep color and nutrients vibrant.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick homemade comfort food packed with creamy, flavorful sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar if available)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Combine pasta and spinach: Add cooked spaghetti and chopped spinach to the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Serve immediately with optional toppings.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and spinach for best texture.
Use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour as a lighter substitute, but cream provides the best rich texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with added liquid to avoid dryness.
Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps adjust the sauce consistency. Avoid cooking the sauce on high heat to prevent boiling off the cream.
You Might Also Like
Before You Go
If you try this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.