Introduction
Spaghetti with creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce is a rich, comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce.
The combination of these ingredients with pasta creates a meal that’s not only indulgent but also packed with vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something special for a weekend gathering, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later use if necessary.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
About 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. The garlic should release a savory aroma at this point.
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their flavor into the oil. You should start to see the oil turn a bit reddish from the tomatoes.
Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring occasionally. The spinach will wilt down quickly, so continue mixing until it has cooked down, which should only take a minute or so.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it combines well with the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for seasoning as needed.
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese in until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety finish.
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, mixing it well so that each strand is coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
How to Make
For an easy, weeknight dinner, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped before you start. This dish comes together quickly.
So having the garlic minced, sun-dried tomatoes chopped, and spinach washed and ready will save time when cooking.
The key to a great creamy sauce is to keep the heat at medium or low when adding the cream and Parmesan.
High heat can cause the cream to curdle, resulting in an unpleasant texture. Take your time, and don’t rush the simmering stage.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the creaminess of the sauce. Pre-grated cheese.
tends to be drier and can affect the final texture of the dish, so opt for fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best result.
If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce along with the garlic. The mild heat will balance the richness of the cream and add a lovely kick to the dish.
Don’t skip on seasoning with salt and pepper. It’s important to taste the sauce as you go and adjust accordingly, as the flavor develops with each step.
If you want a bit more flavor depth, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan after cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it reduce slightly before adding the cream.
When tossing the pasta with the sauce, make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti and gives the dish a silky finish.
Variations
For a lighter version of this dish, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a non-dairy option like coconut cream. This will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
You can also experiment with different greens. Instead of spinach, try arugula or kale for a different flavor profile. Arugula adds a peppery note, while kale offers a heartier texture.
For an extra protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to the dish. Simply sauté the protein in the pan before adding the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and incorporate it into the sauce with the pasta.
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, consider using roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes.
Roasted red peppers will provide a sweet, smoky flavor, while fresh tomatoes will create a more subtle taste.
To make the dish even more decadent, add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese into the sauce along with the heavy cream. This will give the sauce an ultra-smooth texture and richness.
For a more earthy flavor, try incorporating a bit of truffle oil or truffle salt at the end of cooking. A small drizzle of truffle oil adds a luxurious touch to this already indulgent dish.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti. The rest of the recipe can stay the same, giving you a delicious gluten-free meal.
Tips
To save time, you can use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil. Just be sure to drain the oil and chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces before adding them to the pan.
If the sauce seems too thick as it simmers, add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to thin it out while maintaining flavor.
To make the dish more aromatic, try adding a sprig of fresh basil or thyme during the cooking process. These herbs will infuse the sauce with subtle herbal notes.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra cream if needed.
For an extra creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the sauce after cooking. This will give it a smoother consistency while still keeping the chunky bits of tomato and spinach.
Don’t forget to save a little bit of pasta water when draining the spaghetti. It’s an essential trick for helping your sauce stick to the noodles.
When reheating leftovers, do so on low heat. Cream-based sauces can break when reheated too quickly, so it’s best to warm it gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This spaghetti with creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce is a decadent, comforting dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or simply for a weeknight meal, this dish will undoubtedly leave everyone wanting more. With its creamy sauce and delightful ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.