Description
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a luscious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish. Featuring tender spaghetti enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with savory sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this vegetarian main course is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Veggies & Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the roughly chopped spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat but are optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
