why make this recipe
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pasta with the nutritious benefits of spinach and the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delicious blend of creamy sauce and fresh ingredients that everyone will enjoy. You can whip it up in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering with friends and family.
how to make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
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)
Directions:
Creating Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a breeze. Just follow these steps for a fantastic meal:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
Season the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Let the dish sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful meal with family or friends!
how to serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This dish is best served hot. You can plate it in a large serving bowl or individual bowls. If desired, add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and sprinkle with fresh basil for a colorful touch. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to enhance the meal.
how to store Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened.
tips to make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
- Adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes based on your taste preference; you can add more for a stronger flavor.
- If you like a little more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
variation
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You may also swap the spaghetti for whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can also turn this dish into a heartier meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe! Just remember to drain them if they are packed in oil.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use coconut cream or a blend of milk and flour as a replacement for heavy cream, but it may change the flavor slightly.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, and you can enjoy it without any animal-based products.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish that combines pasta with nutritious spinach and rich sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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 spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add 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 grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Let the dish sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your wonderful meal!
Notes
Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, and adjust sun-dried tomatoes to taste. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: spaghetti, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, vegetarian pasta