Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti & Spinach Recipe

Creamy, vibrant, and utterly irresistible, this spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

Tender spinach weaves through perfectly cooked pasta, creating a luxurious dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each strand with intense sun-dried tomato goodness that will make your taste buds dance.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this pasta promises a delightful culinary experience.

You’ll fall in love with every creamy, savory bite that combines classic Italian ingredients in a modern, exciting way.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredient Notes for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Whole-Wheat Spaghetti: Hearty whole grain pasta that adds nutty flavor and extra fiber for a wholesome meal experience.
• Baby Spinach: Vibrant green leaves packed with nutrients, adding freshness and a delicate texture to the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Intense, concentrated tomato flavor that brings a tangy sweetness and rich Mediterranean essence.
• Onion: Aromatic base ingredient that provides depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent and bold, adding robust flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and exciting spicy kick to elevate the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Ground Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the dish's complex flavors.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Liquid base that creates a light, flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Delivers rich, tangy creaminess that binds the sauce together with luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and a savory umami element.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides silky smoothness and helps create a glossy, luscious sauce consistency.

Cooking Tools for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Large Colander: Essential for draining pasta and wilting spinach directly in the sink.
• Large Saucepan: Perfect for boiling whole-wheat spaghetti with plenty of water.
• Large Skillet: Key tool for sautéing ingredients and creating the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping spinach, slicing onions, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and slicing of vegetables.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Used for grating fresh Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Steps to Prepare Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spinach Preparation

Grab fresh baby spinach and chop roughly. Place in a colander positioned in the sink for easy draining.

• Pasta Cooking

Boil water in a large pot and cook whole-wheat spaghetti following package instructions. When draining, pour pasta water over spinach to gently wilt the greens.

• Flavor Foundation

Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet. Sauté sliced onions and sun-dried tomatoes until onions become soft and translucent.

• Aromatic Boost

Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and seasonings to the skillet. Let the ingredients mingle and release their fragrant notes.

• Sauce Creation

Pour broth into the skillet and let it reduce by half. Swirl in sour cream, Parmesan, and butter until the sauce becomes silky and rich.

• Final Assembly

Toss cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach into the creamy sauce. Ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the luxurious mixture.

• Serving

Transfer to warm plates and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors immediately. Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added indulgence.

Enhancements for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Spinach Softening Trick: Drain hot pasta directly over chopped spinach to gently wilt leaves without extra cooking, preserving vibrant green color and nutrients.
• Cheese Boosting Hack: Experiment with different hard cheese varieties like pecorino romano or aged asiago for deeper, more complex flavor profiles that complement the creamy sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this vegetarian dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy white beans for extra protein and texture without disrupting the sauce's delicate balance.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace sour cream and butter with cashew cream or coconut milk yogurt to create a luscious, plant-based alternative that maintains the sauce's rich, velvety consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to personal heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that energizes the entire dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 348 kcal

Servings: 5

Ideas for Serving Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and make this spaghetti dish a special weekly tradition where everyone helps prepare and enjoys the meal together.
• Gourmet Presentation Twist: Plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an elegant touch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy, tangy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that enhances the sun-dried tomato flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas on top for additional protein and texture, transforming this vegetarian-friendly recipe into a more substantial meal.

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

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer leftover spaghetti to an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Chilled Storage Timeline: Refrigerated pasta stays delicious for 3-5 days when sealed properly, ensuring a tasty quick meal for busy weekdays.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive cold spaghetti by adding a splash of vegetable broth or water before microwaving, preventing dry and clumpy textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers, which can be stored up to one month, providing convenient meal options for hectic schedules.

Creamy Spaghetti

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce delivers rich Mediterranean flavors that dance across taste buds. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs complete this elegant Italian-inspired pasta perfect for dinner parties or quick weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) whole-wheat spaghetti
• 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (80 g) slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sun-dried tomato oil
• ½ cup (75 g) halved and thinly sliced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then gently introduce whole-wheat spaghetti, cooking until perfectly al dente according to package guidelines.
2. Spinach Wilting Technique: Position a colander in the sink and layer baby spinach across its surface, creating a natural wilting station as hot pasta water cascades through.
3. Flavor Foundation: In a spacious skillet, warm sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat, sautéing thinly sliced onions and slivered sun-dried tomatoes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Aromatic Infusion: Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground pepper into the skillet, elevating heat to medium-high and introducing vegetable or chicken broth to concentrate flavors.
5. Creamy Sauce Development: Whisk in sour cream, grated Parmesan, and unsalted butter until a luxurious, smooth sauce forms, then gently fold the wilted spinach and cooked spaghetti into the mixture, ensuring every strand becomes thoroughly coated.
6. Serving Finale: Plate immediately, presenting the vibrant, creamy pasta while piping hot to maximize culinary enjoyment and preserve the dish’s optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook whole-wheat spaghetti exactly to package instructions for perfect al dente consistency, avoiding mushy or undercooked strands.
• Wilting Spinach Technique: Position spinach in a colander to naturally wilt with hot pasta water, preserving nutrients and creating a fresh, vibrant green element.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Build depth by sautéing onions and sun-dried tomatoes first, then adding garlic and spices to release maximum aromatic qualities.
• Sauce Smoothing Secrets: Whisk Parmesan, sour cream, and butter thoroughly to create a silky, lump-free sauce that clings beautifully to pasta strands.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg