Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: The Best Way to Elevate Your Pasta Night
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Extra Parmesan and basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Tired of the same old pasta dinners that leave your taste buds underwhelmed and your family asking for takeout instead? We’ve all been there staring at a bowl of plain spaghetti, wondering how to transform it into something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. Rich, velvety cream sauce infused with intense sun-dried tomato flavor, twirled with perfectly cooked spaghetti and fresh spinach it’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

As Elizabeth from Cooks Foody, I’ve spent years perfecting pasta dishes that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

This recipe emerged during one of our collaborative cooking sessions when Daniel and I were craving something comforting yet elevated. What started as a simple experiment with pantry staples quickly became one of our most requested recipes.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything from pasta selection tips and sauce-making secrets to serving suggestions and troubleshooting advice. Whether you’re a pasta novice or a seasoned home cook, this sun-dried tomato spaghetti will transform your pasta night forever.

Why This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors Tangy sun-dried tomatoes complemented by creamy sauce and fresh spinach
Quick 25-minute preparation time Faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying
One-pan cooking method Minimal cleanup for busy weeknights
Versatile base recipe Easy to customize with protein additions or vegetable swaps
Budget-friendly ingredients Pantry staples transformed into a gourmet meal

Choosing the Right Pasta for Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Best Pasta Shapes for This Recipe

While this recipe calls for spaghetti (a classic choice that allows the cream sauce to cling to each strand), several pasta shapes work beautifully with sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

Fettuccine: The wide, flat surface provides maximum sauce coverage
Linguine: A thinner alternative that still captures the cream sauce perfectly
Penne: Tube shape catches sauce inside and out for flavor-packed bites
Rigatoni: Larger ridged tubes ideal for heartier versions with added protein

Pasta Quality Matters

For the best spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

Choose bronze-cut pasta with a rough texture for better sauce adherence
Look for pasta made with 100% durum wheat semolina for ideal texture
Consider fresh pasta for special occasions (reduce cooking time by half)

Gluten-Free Options

Don’t miss out on this incredible sun-dried tomato spaghetti if you’re gluten-sensitive:

Rice-based pastas work well but may need extra attention to prevent mushiness
Chickpea or lentil pasta adds protein and holds up nicely in cream sauces
Corn-based pasta maintains a pleasant texture similar to traditional wheat pasta

Ingredients & Prep for Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: The Best Way to Elevate Your Pasta Night

Pasta Preparation Essentials

Getting your spaghetti just right is crucial for this sun-dried tomato cream sauce recipe:

Always salt your pasta water generously (it should taste like sea water)
Cook spaghetti 1-2 minutes less than package directions for perfect al dente texture
Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely diced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup reserved pasta water
4 cups fresh spinach
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Pantry Staples for Elevation

These additional ingredients take your spaghetti with sun-dried tomato sauce to the next level:

Quality extra virgin olive oil for finishing
Crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme) for brightness
Freshly grated Parmesan for depth and richness

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Pre-Cooking Prep for Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil
Chop sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, reserving 2 tablespoons of their oil
Mince garlic and shallot finely for even cooking
Wash and dry fresh spinach, removing any tough stems
Grate Parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated

Cooking Method for Perfect Spaghetti and Sauce

Cook spaghetti according to package directions, minus 1-2 minutes for al dente texture
Meanwhile, heat reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Add shallots and cook until translucent (2-3 minutes)
Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until fragrant (30 seconds)
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute
Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce begins to thicken (3-4 minutes)
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining spaghetti
Add drained spaghetti directly to the sauce, tossing to coat
Add fresh spinach and continue tossing until wilted
Add Parmesan cheese and enough pasta water to create a silky sauce
Season with salt and pepper to taste

Doneness Check for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Your spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce is perfectly done when:

Pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente)
Sauce coats the back of a spoon but isn’t overly thick
Spinach is just wilted but still bright green
Flavors are balanced between tangy tomatoes and rich cream

Resting the Spaghetti Dish

Allow the finished spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows:

Flavors to meld together completely
Sauce to reach perfect consistency
Temperature to moderate for comfortable eating

Pro Tips for Perfect Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Avoiding Common Pasta Pitfalls

Never rinse your pasta after cooking – it removes the starch needed for sauce adhesion
Don’t overcook the cream – it can separate and become grainy
Add spinach at the last minute to prevent overcooking and preserve its vibrant color
Reserve extra pasta water to revive sauce if it becomes too thick after sitting

Tool Recommendations

Large, high-sided skillet (12-inch minimum) provides ample space for sauce and pasta mixing
Silicone-tipped tongs for gentle but effective pasta tossing
Microplane grater for fresh Parmesan with the perfect texture
Heavy-bottomed pot for even pasta cooking and reduced sticking

Storage & Reheating Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce
Avoid microwave reheating if possible it can cause the cream sauce to separate

Looking for more incredible pasta recipes? Check out my Pinterest where I share weekly pasta inspiration that will transform your dinner rotation!

Flavor Variations for Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

Protein Additions

Transform this vegetarian sun-dried tomato spaghetti into a heartier meal with these protein options:

Grilled chicken breast, sliced and added just before serving
Sautéed shrimp (cook separately and add at the end to prevent overcooking)
Crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein boost

Vegetable Swaps

Beyond spinach, these vegetables pair beautifully with sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

Asparagus (thinly sliced and barely cooked to maintain crispness)
Artichoke hearts (quartered and added with sun-dried tomatoes)
Roasted red peppers (sliced and added for extra sweetness and color)

Dietary Adaptations

Dietary Need	Adaptation	Impact on Flavor
Vegan	Replace heavy cream with cashew cream; use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan	Slightly nuttier flavor profile with comparable richness
Dairy-Free	Substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream	Adds subtle coconut undertone that complements the tomatoes
Lower-Calorie	Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream; reduce Parmesan by half	Lighter mouthfeel with slightly less richness
Keto-Friendly	Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles	Texture difference but sauce flavors remain intact

Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Perfect Pairings

Complete your sun-dried tomato spaghetti meal with these complementary sides:

Garlic bread: The ultimate pasta companion for sauce-soaking
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs (try Mujadara for a unique side dish option)

Beverage Recommendations

These drinks complement the rich, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomato cream sauce:

Crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Sparkling water with lemon
Iced tea with a splash of lemon

Dessert Follow-Ups

After enjoying this rich pasta, consider these dessert options to complete your meal:

Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for chocolate lovers
Carrot Cake Cheesecake for a decadent treat

FAQs About Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Can I make this sun-dried tomato pasta ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead:

Make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
Cook pasta al dente, toss with a little oil, and refrigerate separately
Combine and reheat gently with a splash of cream when ready to serve

How do I prevent my cream sauce from breaking?

Simmer gently and never boil
Remove from heat before adding cheese
Use room temperature cream when possible
If sauce begins to separate, add a splash of pasta water and whisk vigorously

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Yes, but rehydrate them first:

Pour boiling water over dried tomatoes and let sit for 30 minutes
Drain completely and pat dry
Add 1-2 extra tablespoons of olive oil to the recipe to compensate

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Cream-based pasta dishes generally don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Elevate Your Pasta Night with Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The rich, tangy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh spinach create a harmony of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: The Best Way to Elevate Your Pasta Night