Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delicious and easy pasta dish that combines tender spinach with a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor. This comforting meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy texture of the sauce blends beautifully with al dente spaghetti and fresh spinach for a satisfying dinner. Pair it with my Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner experience.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Enjoy this easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe, perfect for quick, homemade, family-friendly weeknight dinners.
- Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry and fridge.
- Quick 40-minute prep and cook time for busy nights.
- Healthy additions like fresh spinach packed with nutrients.
- Rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce elevates basic pasta.
Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for best flavor; dried ones can be rehydrated but omit extra oil.Heavy cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect less richness.Spinach: Fresh works best; frozen spinach can be substituted but squeeze out excess moisture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed for best flavor; dried ones can be rehydrated but omit extra oil.
- Heavy cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect less richness.
- Spinach: Fresh works best; frozen spinach can be substituted but squeeze out excess moisture.
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 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.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Expert Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
- Reserve pasta water to perfect your sauce consistency and help it cling to noodles.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and sauté on medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add spinach last to keep it vibrant and slightly crisp, not mushy.
- Try adding toasted pine nuts for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Enjoy this easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe, perfect for quick, homemade, family-friendly weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
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 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.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and spinach: Add cooked spaghetti and chopped spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together until spinach wilts and pasta is coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
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 this dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour to thicken, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing to maintain sauce texture.
If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or a splash of cream while cooking. If too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken up.
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