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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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