This spaghetti dish is a tasty mix of fresh spinach and rich sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy sauce. It’s colorful, healthy, and super comforting!
I love how quick this meal is to make! Just cook the pasta, sauté the spinach, and blend it with the sauce—easy peasy! Perfect for busy weekday dinners! 🍝💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works well here, but you can swap it for whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Zucchini noodles or other veggies are great for a low-carb option too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the dish a vibrant color and nutrients. If you can’t find it, use kale or even frozen spinach, just remember to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Using those packed in oil adds flavor and moisture. If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try using regular tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter alternative, you could use half-and-half or coconut milk if you’re after a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor a bit, but it’s still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using fresh grated Parmesan for its rich taste. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Create a Creamy Sauce Without It Becoming Too Thick?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce requires a few careful steps. The key is to gradually add ingredients and adjust the consistency as you go along. Here’s how:
- Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant. This adds a lovely flavor base.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the garlic for a few minutes.
- When you pour in the heavy cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from bubbling too much, which helps it stay creamy.
- Add Parmesan a little at a time, stirring well until it melts completely before adding more. This helps to avoid clumping.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water a bit at a time to loosen it without losing flavor.
Following these steps will yield a wonderfully creamy sauce that coats your pasta perfectly! Enjoy your cooking process!
How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spaghetti dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and another 10 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything together. Quick, easy, and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help flavor your pasta. Once the water is bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning it’s cooked but still has a little bite. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Drain and set the pasta aside for now.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s nice and warm, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help release their flavor into the oil, making your sauce more delicious.
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to mix with the tomatoes and garlic. Let this simmer gently.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while mixing. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If you find your sauce is a bit too thick, don’t worry! Just add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the creamy mixture and stir until it’s wilted, which should only take about 2 minutes. The heat will help the spinach soften while adding a nice color to the dish!
7. Combine with Spaghetti:
Finally, toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing everything well to ensure the pasta is coated with the wonderful sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy spaghetti right away! Feel free to garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like a touch of brightness. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or more cream to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes to incorporate extra flavor and nutrition into your dish.
