This Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that brings together tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a perfect combination for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring the noodles are well-covered. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve:
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to the dish.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Creamy: For a thicker sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Spinach Substitute: You can swap the spinach for kale or other greens for a different flavor.
This Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The creamy sauce, combined with the earthiness of spinach and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creates a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that brings together tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a perfect combination for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor.3. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.4. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring the noodles are well-covered. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).6. Serve:
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Notes
- Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to the dish.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Creamy: For a thicker sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Spinach Substitute: You can swap the spinach for kale or other greens for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~500 kcal per serving