Name: Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce : Flavorful Pasta Recipe!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt & black pepper to taste; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese; Freshly ground black pepper

If you’re craving a creamy, flavorful pasta dish, this Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a must-try! It’s rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors from tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan sauce. Best of all, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

Whether you love creamy pasta dishes recipes, are looking for new recipes that use sun-dried tomatoes, or want a fresh twist on spaghetti and spinach, this dish checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti and Spinach Recipe

✔️ Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients.
✔️ Rich & Creamy – A luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce coats every strand of spaghetti.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – The combination of garlic, basil, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes is irresistible!
✔️ Customizable – Swap in different pasta types, add protein, or make it vegan.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients Needed

To make this spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta & Sauce:

12 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tablespoon butter
Salt & black pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔️ Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
✔️ Colander – To drain pasta.
✔️ Large skillet – To cook the sauce.
✔️ Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce.
✔️ Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements.

How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter, mixing until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Add Spinach & Pasta

Add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing until fully coated in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Remove from heat and top with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Best Pasta Types for This Recipe

While spaghetti works beautifully, you can also use:

✔️ Ring Pasta Recipes: Try anelletti (ring-shaped pasta) for a unique twist.
✔️ Hearts of Palm Angel Hair Pasta: A low-carb alternative with a light texture.
✔️ Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta: Swap spaghetti for fettuccine or penne for extra sauce coverage.
✔️ Gluten-Free Pasta: Use brown rice or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free version.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Dishes

✔️ Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richness.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly.
✔️ Balance the Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water to reach the right consistency.
✔️ Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
✔️ Use Fresh Basil – It enhances the dish’s flavor and aroma.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

🌱 Make It Vegan: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
🐔 Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
🍅 Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes work well.
🥑 Creamier Twist: Blend avocado into the sauce for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Not Reserving Pasta Water – This helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.
🚫 Adding Parmesan Too Early – It can clump; add it last and mix well.
🚫 Overcooking the Spinach – It should just wilt in the sauce, not become mushy.
🚫 Skipping the Basil – Fresh basil brightens the entire dish.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

🍞 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Salad with Spaghetti Dinner: Serve with Caesar salad or an arugula balsamic salad.
🥂 Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with lemon-infused sparkling water or an iced herbal tea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well.

❓ How do I make this pasta sauce lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

❓ Can I make this without dairy?

Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

❓ What’s the best way to add protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas pair perfectly.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it as part of a fancy pasta night, it’s guaranteed to impress!

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more delicious pasta dishes!