Tangy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy and comforting spaghetti with spinach brings a magical twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated combination of ingredients.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each perfectly twirled forkful.

Soft spinach leaves nestle between strands of perfectly cooked noodles.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes add a vibrant punch of intensity to the sauce.

Smooth cream creates a luxurious backdrop for this delightful dish.

Whip up this recipe and savor every incredible bite.

Steps for Preparing Spaghetti & Spinach with Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Wilt the Spinach

Place fresh spinach leaves in a large colander positioned in the sink.

This method will help prepare the spinach for wilting during the pasta cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Add spaghetti and cook following package instructions.

When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, drain it directly over the spinach in the colander.

The hot water will gently wilt the spinach leaves, creating a tender green base for the dish.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Ingredients

Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Chopped onion
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until ingredients become soft and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.

• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté for an additional minute to release deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Raise skillet heat to medium-high.

Pour in broth and reduce liquid by half, about 2 minutes.

• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Butter

Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy with a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring pasta is completely coated with the decadent sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the blend of flavors.

Pro Tips for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

• Wilting spinach with hot pasta water preserves more nutrients compared to traditional boiling methods.
• Lower heat when adding sour cream to maintain smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
• Reserve sun-dried tomato oil for extra richness and concentrated taste in the sauce.
• Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for wheat-sensitive diets.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference for a customized taste experience.

Variations for Spaghetti & Spinach in Tomato Cream Sauce

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace sour cream with cashew cream, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast, and use gluten-free spaghetti for a plant-based version.
• Protein Power Bowl: Substitute spaghetti with quinoa, add grilled chicken or tofu, and incorporate extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers for a protein-packed meal.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap spinach with arugula, add sautéed shrimp or salmon, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, keep the creamy sauce, and reduce red pepper flakes for a lighter, carb-conscious alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Spaghetti

• Rustic Italian Family Feast: Serve this creamy pasta dish with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and vibrant flavor.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform this vegetarian recipe into a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to balance the flavors.

Storage Tips for Tomato Cream Sauce Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the dish.

• Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based Parmesan cheese alternative to keep the recipe vegetarian.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

• What can I do if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or skip them, though they add a unique tangy flavor to the sauce.

Spaghetti & Spinach in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Highlights

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, the dish delivers a powerful punch of vegetables and flavor in every bite.
• Impress Without Stress: Minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks who want to create a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows for simple protein additions like chicken or shrimp, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored tomatoes that add a rich, concentrated sweetness to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Enhances the richness and smoothness of the cream sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a liquid base that helps develop the sauce's consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Add heat, seasoning, and depth to the dish.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and nutritional boost to the pasta.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti & spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich flavors dance through tender pasta, inviting hearty appetites to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole-wheat spaghetti
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large colander in the sink and spread fresh spinach leaves inside.
2. Bring a generously salted water pot to rolling boil at high heat. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta directly over spinach in colander, allowing hot noodles to naturally wilt the greens. Transfer pasta and spinach mixture to a separate dish.
4. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions and sun-dried tomatoes until they become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3 minutes.
5. Introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
6. Elevate skillet heat to medium-high and pour broth into the mixture. Reduce liquid volume by half, approximately 2 minutes, creating an intense flavor base.
7. Whisk sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter into the skillet until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Incorporate wilted spinach and cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Gently toss until pasta is uniformly coated with the luxurious cream sauce.

Notes

• Drain hot pasta directly over spinach in a colander to naturally wilt leaves without extra cooking steps.
• Use reserved sun-dried tomato oil for enhanced flavor, or substitute with olive oil for a lighter taste profile.
• Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Quickly add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this dish into a more substantial meal with added protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg