Description
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and flavorful pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti, fresh spinach, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh, vibrant greens, ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Greens
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Sauce
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving a little pasta water for later, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to release their flavor.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and absorb the tomato flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Spinach and Combine: Stir fresh spinach into the cream sauce and cook until wilted but still vibrant green, about 2 minutes. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the pan and mix thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and maintain silkiness.
- Cook spinach just until wilted for best texture and flavor.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer taste.
- Adjust cream quantity to preferred sauce thickness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for authentic flavor and smooth melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomato, cream sauce, quick pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta
