If you’re ready to impress without a ton of fuss, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly the recipe you need. Silky, twirly noodles are tossed in a luscious sauce bursting with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy richness, and pops of fresh green spinach. It’s one of those drop-everything-and-make-this meals that packs so much flavor and looks incredibly elegant, yet comes together quickly with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a few essentials for this dish—the magic comes from how beautifully these ingredients play together! Each brings a special taste, color, or texture to the final plate, making Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce an utterly crave-worthy meal you’ll return to again and again.

Spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that soaks up every bit of creamy sauce—go for a good-quality dried version for the best bite.
Olive oil: Adds a luscious, fruity base for sautéing your garlic and boosting flavor in the finished sauce.
Garlic: Be generous! Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its irresistible aroma and depth.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems deliver concentrated flavor and juicy-tart notes, transforming your sauce from simple to spectacular.
Fresh spinach: Wilts down and mingles with the sauce, adding brightness, color, and a boost of nutrients.
Heavy cream: The all-star that brings silky, luxurious texture to your sauce without fuss.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in to thicken the sauce, delivering salty, nutty undertones you can’t skip.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for balance and to make every flavor sing.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick of gentle heat—totally up to you!

How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it holds a gentle bite and doesn’t get mushy once combined with the luscious sauce. Once it’s ready, drain and set the pasta aside, reserving a little pasta water if you want to thin your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, warm your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, about one minute. Be careful not to let it brown—the aroma should draw you in, hinting at all the delicious flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The tomatoes will soften and infuse the oil with their bold flavor, while the spinach wilts down to a vibrant green. This step adds heaps of color and plenty of nutrients, bringing that signature look and fresh taste to Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in your heavy cream and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce thickens and turns beautifully creamy—this is the secret to the dish’s dreamy texture. It’s a good time to sneak a little taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with your silky sauce. Mix well to coat every strand. If you like a little edge, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and if needed, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce so it clings perfectly to the pasta.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce right away, finishing with a final flourish of grated Parmesan for extra savoriness. Enjoy hot and creamy with every forkful!

How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, or a twist of cracked black pepper takes each plate to the next level. Don’t be shy—those little finishing touches bring out all the vivid colors and make the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce look and taste even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta feels complete all on its own, but it’s also fantastic beside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Add a side of roasted vegetables for an even more luxe dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For date night, try twirling nests of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce onto shallow bowls, then drizzle with extra sauce and a sprig of fresh herbs. Hosting friends? Serve it family-style on a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can also portion into small cups for a fun pasta bar at a party—everyone loves interactive food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to three days, making lunch or next-day dinner a treat to look forward to.

Freezing

Creamy pasta sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but if you find yourself with too much, you can store portions in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture, then reheat gently. Just keep in mind the sauce may separate a little—a quick stir usually brings it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add the pasta and sauce to a pan over medium-low heat, splashing in a bit of milk or cream to rehydrate the sauce. Warm it gently and stir often until it’s hot and smooth. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—whatever you have will work deliciously.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, with a few smart swaps. Use a rich plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and you’ll still get a dreamy, comforting sauce. The sun-dried tomato and spinach flavors are robust on their own!

Can I add protein to this dish?

This pasta welcomes additions like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra staying power. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in at the end to soak up all the wonderful sauce.

How spicy does the crushed red pepper make it?

The red pepper flakes are totally optional and add only a gentle background heat. If you love some kick, amp them up! If not, simply leave them out and bask in the creamy, savory goodness as is.

What’s the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tangy element, or use cherry tomatoes roasted in the oven. Each option adds its own twist to Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is bound to become a fixture at your table—simple, soul-warming, and bursting with flavor in every creamy bite. Give it a try and see just how easy it is to turn an ordinary weeknight into something special. Happy cooking!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the freshness of spinach and the intense flavors of sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons 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

Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine and Season: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your liking.
Serve: Dish out the spaghetti and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy texture contrasted with the vibrant flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian