Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

This creamy spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes. The rich sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a luxurious dinner experience without hours of cooking.

I first made this pasta when I needed a quick dinner solution that felt special. What started as a pantry cleanout has become my most requested meal when friends come over, always earning rave reviews for something that takes so little effort.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti pasta: Forms the foundation of this dish and provides the perfect texture for capturing the cream sauce
• Olive oil: Helps bloom the garlic flavor and creates the base for our sauce
• Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic depth that dried simply cannot match
• Sun dried tomatoes: Deliver concentrated sweet tangy flavor in every bite
• Fresh spinach: Wilts perfectly into the sauce adding color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base of our sauce without requiring a separate roux
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream creating silky texture and adding savory depth
• Salt and pepper: For balancing and enhancing all the flavors
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Cook it until just al dente, usually 1 minute less than package directions suggest since it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Sauté Garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about one minute until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Be vigilant here as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter.

Add Spinach and Tomatoes:

Add chopped sun dried tomatoes to the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release their oils and flavor. Immediately add the fresh spinach in batches if necessary, allowing each portion to wilt slightly before adding more. This should take about 2 minutes total.

Create the Cream Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, not a full boil, which can cause the cream to separate. Reduce heat to medium low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring to create a smooth sauce.

Combine and Season:

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together ensuring every strand is coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add red pepper flakes if desired. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Serve:

Divide the pasta among warmed plates or bowls and finish with a light sprinkle of additional Parmesan. Serve immediately while the sauce is still silky and the pasta perfectly tender.

Save

The sun dried tomatoes are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their transformative power in cream sauces after a trip to Italy where I watched a local nonna make a similar dish with tomatoes she had dried herself on her balcony. While store bought versions work beautifully, I always look for oil packed varieties for the best flavor impact.

Make Ahead Options

This pasta dish can be fully prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Warm gently over medium low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option that tastes even better the next day.

Easy Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken breasts, Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp. Vegetable lovers can incorporate mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream and increase the pasta water to maintain creaminess. Dairy free adaptations work surprisingly well with cashew cream or coconut cream, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This rich pasta calls for complementary sides that balance rather than compete with its flavors. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides peppery freshness. Garlic bread or focaccia offers textural contrast and helps soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For beverages, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Non alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea.

Pro Tips

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully with this creamy sauce, you can substitute any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent alternatives that hold the cream sauce nicely. Short pasta like bowties or rotini can also work well, capturing the sauce in their nooks and crannies.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan or use part-skim cheese. Consider increasing the spinach while slightly reducing the pasta portion for more vegetables and fewer carbs.

→ Can I add protein to this pasta dish?

This dish works beautifully with added protein. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage make excellent additions. Simply cook your protein separately and add it when combining the pasta with the sauce. For vegetarian protein options, white beans or chickpeas can be added to the sauce while simmering.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream as the pasta will have absorbed some of the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the sauce reconstitute.

→ Are there any good substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can provide a similar sweet-tangy flavor profile. Cherry tomatoes, halved and sautéed until slightly blistered, can work in a pinch. For a different but complementary flavor, caramelized onions or artichoke hearts could be interesting alternatives that maintain the dish's Mediterranean character.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta?

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with light sides. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, or a medley of zucchini and bell peppers.