Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for easy flavorful pasta recipes, this Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect dish! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the tangy, slightly sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes combined with fresh spinach and basil. The velvety sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights but also impressive enough for a dinner party. Whether you prefer classic spaghetti, hearts of palm angel hair pasta recipes, or ring pasta recipes, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. Pair it with a fresh salad with spaghetti dinner, and you have a well-rounded meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Let’s get started on this creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
• Rich and creamy – A luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan.
• Nutritious and satisfying – Loaded with spinach for extra greens.
• Versatile – Works with different pasta types, including gluten-free and low-carb options.
• Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients for Spaghetti and Spinach

To make this delicious spaghetti and spinach sun-dried tomato pasta, you’ll need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or substitute with hearts of palm angel hair pasta for a low-carb option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (70g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Drizzle of olive oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for making the sauce
• Strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Basil

1. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add the fresh basil and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Transfer to serving bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Pair with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad with spaghetti dinner for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Dish

• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes – The flavor makes a big difference!
• Don’t overcook the spinach – Add it at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Save pasta water – A little bit helps make the sauce smooth and silky.
• For extra protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Variations & Substitutions

Low-Carb Option:

• Swap spaghetti for hearts of palm angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles.

Dairy-Free Version:

• Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.

Spicy Version:

• Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta Variation:

• Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
• Swap heavy cream for ricotta cheese for a lighter yet creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the pasta water – Helps create a smooth sauce.
• Overcooking the garlic – Burnt garlic turns bitter; sauté for just 30 seconds.
• Adding spinach too early – It wilts quickly, so add it at the end.

How to Serve & Presentation Tips

• Serve in deep pasta bowls with extra Parmesan on top.
• Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet look.
• Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

What to Serve With This Pasta Dish

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Caprese salad – A light, fresh side dish.
• Roasted vegetables – Try roasted asparagus or bell peppers.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then mix and reheat before serving.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but the flavor will be less concentrated. Try roasting fresh tomatoes for a richer taste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free spaghetti or hearts of palm angel hair pasta for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a classic sun-dried tomato basil pasta, looking for recipes that use sun-dried tomatoes, or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered.

Try this dish today and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share your favorite creamy pasta dishes recipes and tag us when you make it. Happy cooking!

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