The Best Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Introduction

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is your answer. This recipe unites silky spaghetti, vibrant spinach, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests, this meal is the perfect way to elevate your home-cooked dinners without fuss.

Why This Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Stands Out

The secret to this recipe’s appeal is its rich, velvety sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes infuse the cream with tangy, slightly sweet notes, while fresh spinach offers color, nutrients, and freshness. The combination is a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Mastering the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

To create the best sun-dried tomato cream sauce, start by sautéing finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil with a touch of garlic. Their concentrated flavor quickly infuses the base, which is deglazed with a splash of reserved pasta water before rich cream is added. The result? A sauce that clings beautifully to spaghetti and brings an irresistible tang to every forkful.

Bringing Together Spaghetti, Spinach, and Creamy Sauce

Once your spaghetti is perfectly al dente and drained, immediately toss it into the sauce. The residual heat helps the sauce thicken and coat the pasta. Fold in the fresh spinach at the last minute so it wilts gently, retaining its vibrant color and subtle bite. For an extra gourmet touch, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts.

Serving Suggestions for an Elegant Spaghetti Dinner

Complement this dish with a crunchy side salad or a basket of garlic bread for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. If you love an extra punch, top each serving with cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes. A crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce—making your spaghetti night feel extra special.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving features a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and leafy greens, with approximately 450–500 calories (depending on added cheese or nuts). Enjoy as a satisfying main or as part of a multi-course Italian-inspired dinner.

The Best Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Recap)

This dish transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary: al dente spaghetti, tender spinach, and a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Effortless yet elegant, it’s a go-to recipe for any pasta lover.

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the cream and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine with the tomatoes. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Fold in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
5. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, tossing again.
6. Serve hot, finished with a drizzle of olive oil, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is ideal for meal planners—make a double batch for leftovers or schedule it alongside similar meals for ingredient efficiency. Save and schedule this recipe to have CookifyAI generate a master shopping list that consolidates all ingredients from your weekly plan for seamless, cost-effective grocery shopping.

Planning Benefits:

– Dynamically combines ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Groups everything by grocery store section for quick in-and-out shopping
– Helps reduce food waste by avoiding overlooked or duplicated ingredients

Pro tip: Add this and complementary recipes to your meal planner—CookifyAI ensures your spinach, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes are used efficiently, streamlining your shopping and cooking routines.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes