Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
A quick and creamy Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe that combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, and rich sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious, silky cream sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, this vegetarian-friendly dish offers a perfect balance of vibrant flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy & Oils
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until fragrant and softened, about two minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the sautéed ingredients. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves, cooking just until wilted to retain the bright color and fresh flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the cream sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed, ensuring every strand is well coated.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed, for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the spinach; add it last to keep it bright and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you go to avoid over-salting, especially with cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best texture as it thickens upon cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, quick pasta, vegetarian pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner