Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti & Spinach Recipe

Spaghetti and spinach dance together in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that refines ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Italian-inspired comfort meets vibrant nutrition in this delightful dish.

Creamy textures intertwine with robust flavors, creating a symphonic meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Verdant spinach leaves provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich, velvety sauce.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite, promising a sensory experience that transcends typical pasta preparations.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes deliver an intense, concentrated sweetness that elevates the entire composition.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate this elegant yet straightforward recipe that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

What Sides to Serve with Creamy Tomato Spinach Spaghetti

• Pair with Bold Italian Red Wine: Uncork a robust Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and cuts through its velvety texture.
• Match with Crisp Antipasto Salad: Create a refreshing side with mixed greens, olives, mozzarella, and light vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess and add textural contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bruschetta: Toast crusty bread topped with fresh garlic and olive oil to enhance the pasta's Mediterranean flavors and provide a crunchy accompaniment.
• Add Herbal Garnish Twist: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano leaves on top to brighten the dish and introduce a zesty, aromatic element that elevates the overall taste profile.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Variations to Try

• Protein Power Boost: Replace spinach with kale and add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and adds extra nutrition.
• Vegan Veggie Swap: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and add roasted bell peppers for a plant-based version that's creamy and flavorful.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh basil to transform the dish with authentic Mediterranean flavors and a tangy profile.
• Spicy Smoky Version: Increase crushed red pepper, add smoked paprika, and mix in chorizo sausage for a bolder, spicier experience that brings exciting depth to the classic recipe.

Why Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Pops with Flavor

• Boost Nutrition Effortlessly: Packed with nutrient-dense baby spinach and whole-wheat spaghetti, this recipe sneaks extra greens into a delicious pasta dish without compromising flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort Meal: Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper create a tangy, slightly spicy profile that elevates basic pasta, while Parmesan and sour cream deliver rich, velvety smoothness.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum taste- this recipe uses a single skillet for cooking, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free for busy home cooks.

Ingredients That Make This Creamy Spinach Spaghetti Special

• Whole-Wheat Spaghetti: Hearty whole grain pasta that provides a nutty flavor and additional fiber.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh, tender green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Concentrated sweet-tangy tomatoes that bring rich Mediterranean flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic base that builds foundational savory notes for the cream sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper, Salt, Ground Pepper: Spices that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Light liquid base that helps create a smooth, balanced sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and slight tanginess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that provides extra umami and richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes silky texture and rounded flavor to the final sauce.

Cooking Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Greens

Place a large colander in the sink. Roughly chop baby spinach and set aside. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. When pasta is done, drain directly over the spinach in the colander, allowing the hot water to gently wilt the greens.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook while stirring until onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Raise skillet temperature to medium-high. Pour in broth and let it simmer, reducing liquid by half. Whisk in sour cream, grated Parmesan, and butter until sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add drained spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring pasta is completely coated with the luxurious sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest.

Tips for a Velvety Tomato Cream Sauce

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create a silky smooth texture.
• Spinach Wilting Hack: Draining hot pasta directly over spinach in a colander quickly wilts the greens without extra cooking, preserving nutrients and vibrant color.
• Cheese Enhancement: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and melt-ability, avoiding pre-packaged options for a more authentic taste.
• Flavor Layering: Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding other ingredients to intensify their rich, concentrated sweetness and develop deeper umami notes.
• Cream Sauce Balance: Add sour cream and butter off direct heat to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth and creamy sauce that coats pasta perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat This Creamy Spaghetti Dish

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled spaghetti to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Microwave Option: Place spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce delivers Italian countryside comfort on a plate. Creamy, tangy sauce embraces tender pasta and fresh spinach, offering a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings rustic elegance to your dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole-wheat spaghetti
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Tomato and Aromatics:

• ½ cup (80 grams) slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sun-dried tomato oil
• ½ cup (75 grams) halved and thinly sliced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Cheese:

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, preparing for pasta cooking.
2. Gently cascade whole-wheat spaghetti into the boiling water, allowing it to cook until perfectly al dente according to package instructions.
3. While pasta cooks, position a colander in the sink and scatter baby spinach across its surface, creating a wilting station.
4. Once pasta reaches ideal texture, carefully pour the contents through the spinach-lined colander, allowing hot water to naturally wilt the greens.
5. Select a spacious skillet and warm the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat, creating a fragrant cooking environment.
6. Introduce thinly sliced onions and slivered sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, stirring frequently until onions become translucent and softened.
7. Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground pepper into the skillet, releasing their aromatic qualities and intensifying the flavor profile.
8. Elevate the heat to medium-high and pour vegetable or chicken broth into the mixture, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors.
9. Incorporate sour cream, grated Parmesan, and unsalted butter, whisking until a smooth, creamy sauce emerges.
10. Transfer the wilted spinach and cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure every strand becomes luxuriously coated.
11. Plate immediately, serving the vibrant, creamy pasta while piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Dive into a culinary adventure with this vibrant and creamy spaghetti dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Wilting spinach directly in the colander using hot pasta water maximizes nutrient retention and creates a seamless cooking technique.
• Sun-dried tomatoes deliver intense, concentrated flavor that elevates the entire sauce with their rich, tangy profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 408
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 268 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg