Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of spaghetti, especially when it’s adorned with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. I vividly remember the first time I whipped up this dish. It was a rainy Saturday, and I craved something warm and hearty. I rummaged through my pantry and stumbled upon a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, which inspired me to create this fantastic meal. This recipe has become a go-to for family gatherings because it’s not only simple to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Just the thought of creamy sauce and vibrant spinach mingling with spaghetti fills me with joy, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why make this recipe?
You’ll love making this spaghetti dish for several reasons. First off, the flavor combo of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach packs a punch that delights every palate. It’s a quick recipe, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous family dinners. What’s great is that it doesn’t break the bank! Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t have to splurge on exotic items. Plus, kids usually love the appealing colors and rich flavors, making it an excellent option for the whole family.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone new to the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and pretty hard to mess up. Just follow along, and you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills!
How to make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Preparing this dish is an enjoyable experience. You need about 30 minutes to bring everything together, and you won’t need any specialized equipment aside from a large pot and a skillet. The best part is that if you stick to the steps and savor the process, you’ll find yourself creating a delectable meal that could easily sit on a restaurant menu. You got this!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-step directions:
Creating Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a breeze. Just follow these steps for a fantastic meal:
Boil the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. The aroma will already start to set the mood!
Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll appreciate the vibrant color this brings to the dish.
Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine everything with the vegetables. The creaminess starts to take shape!
Season the Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, transforming into a smooth, comforting mixture.
Combine with Spaghetti: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring every strand is coated evenly with your delicious sauce.
Serve: Let the dish sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving. You can feel proud of your tasty creation!
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful meal with family or friends!
How to serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Serving this dish offers a world of possibilities! It pairs beautifully with a side salad, perhaps a light Caesar or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. You might also consider serving it with garlic bread, which complements the creaminess of the sauce. For a more substantial meal, grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein and satisfaction. Don’t forget about the final touch! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few basil leaves on top not only looks gorgeous but provides a fresh flavor burst as you dig in.
How to store Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Storing leftovers is quick and easy! Place any uneaten pasta in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator; it will keep well for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a little longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce’s consistency, making it as creamy and delightful as when you first made it!
Tips for perfect Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Cook the Pasta Right: Ensure you cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente. Remember it’ll continue to cook a bit more when mixed with the hot sauce, so you don’t want it mushy.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for quality sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible. These choices elevate the overall flavor.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Give your sauce enough time to thicken by lowering the heat. This step is essential for achieving that luscious creaminess.
Taste as You Go: Be sure to taste your sauce before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning to your preference a bit.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables—like mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus—into the sauté to add more nutrition and color.
Variations
Vegetarian Delight: If you want to further amp up the veggie factor, consider adding a mix of bell peppers or broccoli alongside the spinach.
Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, throw in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option.
Cream-Free Option: Need a lighter version? Swap out the heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk or a light cream alternative, and add a touch of nutritional yeast for savory depth.
FAQs about Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes with anything else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers can serve as a tasty alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a bit of pasta cooking water or additional cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can absolutely prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Just crisp up the flavors when you’re ready to eat by reheating and tossing in freshly cooked spaghetti.
Enjoy this delicious, creamy, and colorful dish as you share it with your loved ones! Making spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce will surely brighten your dining table and satisfy your taste buds. Happy cooking!
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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting spaghetti dish featuring a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and stir to ensure every strand is coated with the sauce.
- Let the dish sit for a minute before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh basil.
Notes
Pairs well with side salads or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes, cream sauce, vegetarian recipe, comfort food