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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Enjoy a creamy, tangy, and nutrient-packed pasta with Spaghetti & Spinach in a luscious Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines tender spaghetti noodles with fresh spinach and a rich, velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or casual entertaining, it offers comfort food with a sophisticated twist and is highly adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy & Sauce

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to release their rich flavor.
  3. Add the Spinach: Gradually add fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Stir until all the spinach is tender and bright green.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half while stirring continuously to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each strand in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately, garnished if desired.

Notes

  • Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavor and creaminess.
  • Do not overcook the spinach; add it last and cook just until wilted to preserve texture and nutrients.
  • Reserve some pasta water as its starchiness helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
  • Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese for smooth melting and better flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end since cream can reduce seasoning intensity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti, Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato, Cream Sauce, Pasta, Easy Dinner, Vegetarian