If you’re looking for a delightful, vibrant pasta dish that feels both comforting and fresh, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute keeper. It combines the hearty chew of whole-wheat spaghetti with the bright, tender bite of wilted spinach all enveloped in a luscious, tangy cream sauce infused with the rich, slightly sweet flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is proof that just a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and mouthwatering flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth, freshness, creaminess, or that signature tangy twist. The beauty lies in their simplicity and balance, which makes this recipe both approachable and impressive.
- Whole-wheat spaghetti: Adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying, wholesome texture for a healthier pasta base.
- Baby spinach: Provides a fresh, vibrant green color and tender earthiness that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Deliver intense umami and a subtle sweetness that’s the star of the sauce.
- Onion: Creates a savory foundation with gentle sweetness as it softens in the skillet.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth that wakes up every bite.
- Crushed red pepper: Adds just a hint of heat that balances the creamy richness.
- Salt and ground pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Brings moisture and lightness while helping to meld the sauce ingredients.
- Sour cream: Creates the signature creamy tang in the dish’s luscious sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the sauce’s savory depth and cheesiness.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce for a silky finish and smooth mouthfeel.
How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Pasta
Start by placing the coarsely chopped baby spinach in a large colander set in your sink — this simple step is key because you’ll drain your cooked spaghetti directly over it. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your whole-wheat spaghetti until it is perfectly al dente. When you drain the pasta over the spinach, the residual heat gently wilts the greens, brightening their flavor and softening their texture, which integrates beautifully into the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and the slivered sun-dried tomatoes, cooking gently for about three minutes. This step unlocks their sweetness and allows the oil to infuse with the classic sun-dried tomato flavor, setting the flavor foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook everything together for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic will release its aroma, and the crushed red pepper offers just the right warmth to complement the creaminess that’s coming next.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Turn the heat up to medium-high, pour in the low-sodium broth, and cook until the liquid reduces by half, about two minutes. Reducing the broth concentrates the flavors and helps build a more vibrant foundation for the creamy elements that follow.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to medium again and gently stir in the sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that beautifully coats the back of your spoon—a luscious texture that defines this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti and the wilted spinach from the colander back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so each strand of pasta and each leaf of spinach is generously coated in that irresistible sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This step is pure magic; it melds all the flavors and textures you’ve carefully developed.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once tossed well, your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed. Serve it hot to appreciate the full richness and vibrant combination of flavors—it’s just spectacular right off the stove.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh basil or finely chopped parsley on top. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a lovely finishing note. These garnishes not only enhance the dish visually but also add layers of fresh flavor and fragrance.
Side Dishes
This savory pasta pairs wonderfully with simple, lighter side dishes like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complements the richness of the sauce by adding a satisfying crunch and a way to soak up every last bit of creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish dinner party or a cozy weeknight upgrade, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a nest of fresh spinach leaves on top for added texture. Alternately, you could portion the pasta into small ramekins for a fun, individual presentation that feels extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to three days. This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches when you’re craving a comforting meal without fuss.
Freezing
While freshly made is best for this creamy, spinach-packed pasta, you can freeze leftovers. Cool the pasta completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. Adding a splash of broth or milk can help loosen the sauce and bring back its silky smoothness. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do use the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes won’t give you the same concentrated, tangy sweetness that sun-dried tomatoes provide, so the flavor profile will be different. If you want a fresher taste, consider roasting fresh tomatoes first to intensify their flavor before adding them.
Is it okay to use regular cream instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream or half-and-half, but sour cream is what gives the sauce its signature zing and slight tang, balancing sweetness and richness. If you use cream, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for that brightness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative, choose vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegan. The dish remains delicious, just with a slightly different richness.
What type of pasta works best?
While whole-wheat spaghetti is the base here for added texture and nutrition, you can certainly use regular spaghetti or other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and be sure to drain over the spinach to wilt it.
How can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu cubes would be wonderful additions. Simply cook your protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and sauce just before serving for a hearty, complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe feels like a warm hug for your dinner plate—comforting, vibrant, and unexpectedly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for friends or craving something special for yourself, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction without complicated steps. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the magic of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach wrapped in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Print
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This wholesome and flavorful Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and nutritious dinner option. Whole-wheat spaghetti is cooked to al dente and tossed with freshly wilted spinach and a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and sour cream for a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
Sauce
- ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Place the coarsely chopped baby spinach in a large colander set in the sink. This will be used to wilt the greens with the hot pasta water.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the whole-wheat spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti directly over the colander holding the spinach so that the hot pasta water wilts the spinach leaves gently.
- Sauté sun-dried tomatoes and onions: Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and slivered sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and tomatoes release their flavor.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the garlic and allow the spices to bloom.
- Deglaze and reduce broth: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Cook the mixture until the liquid reduces by half, about 2 minutes, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
- Incorporate creamy elements: Stir in sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and unsalted butter into the skillet. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine pasta and spinach with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta and greens evenly with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy spaghetti and spinach mixture hot. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal fresh from the skillet for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the pasta over the spinach to wilt it naturally without overcooking.
- Use whole-wheat spaghetti to add fiber and nutrients for a healthier twist.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth based on dietary preference.
- Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- For a dairy-free version, swap sour cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan cheese.
