Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with a healthy twist. The sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with sun-dried tomato goodness paired with fresh spinach for a hint of earthiness. This easy homemade recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and uses pantry staples you likely have on hand. For a refreshing side, pair it with my Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad for a complete meal.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner
Enjoy a delicious and easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
- Simple and quick to prepare with pantry staples.
- Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce packed with flavor and nutrition.
- Incorporates healthy spinach for added vitamins and freshness.
- Perfect for family-friendly weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner
Sun-dried tomatoes: oil-packed delivers richer flavor; dry-packed can be used but rehydrate in warm water first.Heavy cream: full-fat for best texture; substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce but slightly less creamy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: oil-packed delivers richer flavor; dry-packed can be used but rehydrate in warm water first.
- Heavy cream: full-fat for best texture; substitute with half-and-half for lighter sauce but slightly less creamy.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook another 1-2 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Expert Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner
- Use salted pasta water to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- If sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or beans to make it a complete meal.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce - Easy Homemade Dinner
Enjoy a delicious and easy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Chopped toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Spinach & Pasta: Toss chopped spinach into the sauce and cook until just wilted. Add cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through. Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
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 Dinner FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and reheat it. It’s best to cook the pasta fresh to avoid sogginess, but leftovers stored properly taste great as well.
Half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter can be a lighter alternative, but the sauce won’t be as rich or creamy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.
This can happen if the sauce is cooked too long or lacks enough liquid. Add reserved pasta water or cream while reheating to loosen it up.
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