Sizzling Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Whipping up a creamy spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Vibrant ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Silky pasta strands intertwine with tender spinach leaves, creating a luxurious texture.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch that awakens every taste bud.

Smooth cream sauce wraps each ingredient in velvety richness, promising a delightful meal.

Garlic and herbs elevate this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this recipe comes together.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable bite.

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this creamy dish.

• Sour Cream: Provides a rich and tangy base for the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a savory and fragrant base for the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute an intense, sweet-tart flavor to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide balanced seasoning and optional heat.

• Baby Spinach: Introduces a fresh, nutritious green component to the pasta.

• Butter: Helps sauté aromatics and adds richness to the sauce.

How to Cook Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta, but keep about half a cup of the cooking water on the side – this liquid gold might come in handy later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they become wonderfully fragrant, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomato Goodness

Sprinkle in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle for another 1-2 minutes, releasing their intense flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer. Give it about 5 minutes to let all those delicious flavors mingle and get to know each other.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

Lower the heat and stir in sour cream until it’s smooth and heated through. The sauce should look luxuriously creamy and inviting.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Greens

Gently toss the cooked spaghetti and baby spinach into the skillet. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts and the pasta gets completely coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Finale

Shower the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and becomes one with the sauce, creating an irresistible creamy texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up this gorgeous pasta while it’s hot. Feel free to add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for good measure. Dive in and savor every creamy, flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor and easier chopping.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the sauce.
• Control the sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water for perfect creaminess.
• Use fresh baby spinach for better texture and vibrant green color in the final dish.
• Select high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for enhanced taste and melting properties.

Flavorful Variations for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Pesto Paradise: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil pesto, adding a vibrant herbal flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Medley: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives for a Greek-inspired version of the original recipe.
• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to transform the dish into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Substitute sour cream with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Best Pairings for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through its richness, balancing the sun-dried tomato's intense flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side dish that absorbs the delicious cream sauce, enhancing the overall meal's texture and providing a crunchy contrast to the soft pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, tangy element that refreshes the palate between bites of the rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Complement with Grilled Chicken: Add lean protein by serving a simply seasoned grilled chicken breast alongside, which will provide extra protein and create a more substantial meal without overwhelming the delicate sauce.

Storage Instructions for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Spinach might slightly change texture when thawed.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Stir sauce to prevent separation.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth.

FAQs About Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Are sun-dried tomatoes good for health?

Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with nutrients like lycopene, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support heart health and boost immunity.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

• What if I don't have sour cream?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the sauce.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This spaghetti recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

What Makes Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce So Good

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under half an hour with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
• Veggie-Packed Delight: Incorporate nutritious baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, boosting both flavor and nutrition.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a creamy, satisfying pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or using different types of pasta to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce delivers an Italian-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors. Elegant pasta promises a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole-wheat spaghetti

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable or chicken broth, low-sodium

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water at 212°F for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (325°F). Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to intensify their flavor profile.
4. Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop complex flavors for 5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and gently fold in sour cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and uniformly heated.
6. Add cooked spaghetti and fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Gently toss until spinach wilts and pasta becomes completely coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Season the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Notes

• Boost pasta texture by cooking spaghetti just until al dente, ensuring a perfect firm bite and preventing mushiness.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for spice lovers or those preferring milder flavors.
• Simplify dairy-free adaptation by replacing sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this vegetarian dish into a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg