Enjoy a restaurant-quality Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce made with tender pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: A Rich and Flavorful Pasta Dish
When you’re craving a comforting pasta dinner with bold flavors, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect choice. Tender spaghetti is tossed with fresh spinach and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a satisfying meal that feels elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor
- Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy ingredients
- Great for both weeknight meals and dinner parties
- Easily customizable with chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Avoid browning the garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to release their flavor into the oil.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
The spinach will reduce significantly in volume as it cooks.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour in the heavy cream and milk.
Stir well to combine.
Add:
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Adjust the Consistency
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet.
Using tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly until evenly coated with the sauce.
Continue tossing for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the flavor.
Step 8: Final Taste Check
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese according to preference.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter.
Top with:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Cracked black pepper
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled chicken
- Sautéed shrimp
- Roasted vegetables
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Tips for Success
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency.
- Do not boil the cream sauce aggressively, as it may separate.
- Add spinach at the end to maintain its bright color and texture.
Variations
Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Add sliced grilled chicken breast for extra protein.
Shrimp Version
Toss in sautéed shrimp just before serving.
Mushroom Spinach Pasta
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when cooking the garlic.
Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
Vegetarian Deluxe
Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce combines tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that is both comforting and elegant. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s a delicious meal that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation.