Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to make any night of the week. The tender spaghetti coated in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce combined with fresh spinach delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses simple pantry staples to create a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Pair it with my Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad for a delicious Italian-inspired dinner.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner
Try this quick and easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe for a creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with fresh ingredients.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in 40 minutes.
- Rich, creamy sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
- Healthy spinach adds freshness and nutrients.
- Uses simple pantry staples for budget-friendly meals.
Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner
Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for richer flavor; dry-packed can be rehydrated in warm water.Heavy cream: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk (thickening may vary).Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for tenderness; kale can be substituted but adjust cooking time.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for richer flavor; dry-packed can be rehydrated in warm water.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk (thickening may vary).
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for tenderness; kale can be substituted but adjust cooking time.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make 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 Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Expert Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce while keeping it creamy.
- Don’t overcook spinach; toss it in at the end for a fresh texture.
- Try adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Easy Weeknight Dinner
Try this quick and easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe for a creamy, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Make 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 Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine pasta and spinach: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with fresh spinach. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
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 Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and combine with freshly cooked pasta and spinach before serving to maintain freshness.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
The sauce can dry out if not enough liquid is added or if reheated too long without moisture. Use reserved pasta water or a splash of cream when reheating.
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