Craving a quick meal that’s both delicious and satisfying? You’re in for a treat! In this post, I’ll show you how to make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This dish combines rich flavors with fresh ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Get ready to impress your taste buds and add a new favorite to your dinner lineup!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Seasoning and Garnish
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves
The main ingredients for this dish create a great blend of flavors and textures. The spaghetti serves as a perfect base, and the spinach adds a fresh green touch. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy note, lifting the meal with their rich flavor. Heavy cream creates a smooth, dreamy sauce that binds everything together.
For seasoning and garnish, garlic packs a punch, while Parmesan adds a savory depth. Red pepper flakes can give your dish a spicy kick, but you can skip them if you prefer. Finally, fresh basil leaves not only add color but also a lovely aroma.
You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. Enjoy crafting this delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Spaghetti
1. Bring salted water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. This will help flavor the pasta.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite.
3. Drain and reserve pasta water: After cooking, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce later.
Preparing the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
1. Sauté garlic in olive oil: In a large skillet, pour in extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add minced garlic when the oil is hot, and sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice and golden.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes: Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. This lets the sweet and tangy flavors mix in.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until it melts into a rich sauce.
Combining Ingredients
1. Add spinach to the sauce: Fold in the chopped spinach. Let it cook in the warm sauce for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
2. Mix in reserved pasta water as needed: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps reach your desired creaminess.
3. Toss spaghetti in the sauce: Now, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it gently, coating every strand with the delicious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes.
Each step is crucial for a wonderful meal. If you want the full recipe, check it out [here](#). Enjoy your cooking!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– How to achieve the perfect al dente spaghetti: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Test it a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. When it’s perfect, drain it but remember to save some pasta water.
– Importance of reserving pasta water: This starchy water is key for your sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling to the spaghetti. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
Flavor Enhancements
– Adding extra spices for a kick: If you like heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. You could also try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. They bring extra flavor depth without much effort.
– Suggestion for alternative cheeses: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try pecorino for a sharper taste. Or go for a creamy goat cheese that melts well. Each choice gives a unique twist to your dish.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make this dish vegan or dairy-free. Just swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy taste. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free spaghetti. There are many great brands available that taste just as good.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want to change things up, you can replace spinach with kale or swiss chard. Both greens add a nice twist and are packed with nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be swapped for roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes. These options will shift the flavor and color while keeping the dish vibrant.
For the full recipe, check out the details above and enjoy cooking!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce, follow these easy steps:
– Cool Down: Let the dish cool to room temperature.
– Use Airtight Containers: Place the pasta in an airtight container.
– Label and Date: Mark the container with the date for tracking.
In the fridge, your leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for freshness before eating!
Reheating Tips
When you reheat your delicious dish, keep it creamy and tasty. Here’s how:
– Stovetop Method: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream.
– Microwave Method: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir often to prevent uneven heating.
You can freeze this dish, but the cream sauce may change texture. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container. Use it within 2 months for the best flavor and quality.
FAQs
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead?
Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes. To rehydrate them, soak the dried tomatoes in warm water for about 20 minutes. Afterward, drain and chop them before adding to your sauce. This method brings back their rich flavor, making them a great addition to the dish.
What can I serve with Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
You can serve this dish with several sides. Here are some ideas:
– Garlic bread for a crunchy bite
– A light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
– Steamed broccoli for a healthy touch
– A simple tomato salad to add freshness
These sides will complement the creamy sauce and enhance your meal.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To spice up the sauce, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These additions will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. To modify it, cook the spaghetti and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them together. This way, your meal stays fresh and delicious.
To wrap up, we explored a delicious spaghetti dish with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The main ingredients create a rich flavor, while seasoning adds a tasty kick. We also discussed cooking tips and storage for leftovers. You can make simple swaps for dietary needs or enhance the flavor. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile. Enjoy making this dish and delight your taste buds!
. Enjoy your cooking! - How to achieve the perfect al dente spaghetti: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Test it a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. When it's perfect, drain it but remember to save some pasta water. - Importance of reserving pasta water: This starchy water is key for your sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling to the spaghetti. Just add a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. - Adding extra spices for a kick: If you like heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. You could also try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. They bring extra flavor depth without much effort. - Suggestion for alternative cheeses: If Parmesan isn't your favorite, try pecorino for a sharper taste. Or go for a creamy goat cheese that melts well. Each choice gives a unique twist to your dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegan or dairy-free. Just swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy taste. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free spaghetti. There are many great brands available that taste just as good. If you want to change things up, you can replace spinach with kale or swiss chard. Both greens add a nice twist and are packed with nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be swapped for roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes. These options will shift the flavor and color while keeping the dish vibrant. For the full recipe, check out the details above and enjoy cooking! To store your spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce, follow these easy steps: - Cool Down: Let the dish cool to room temperature. - Use Airtight Containers: Place the pasta in an airtight container. - Label and Date: Mark the container with the date for tracking. In the fridge, your leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for freshness before eating! When you reheat your delicious dish, keep it creamy and tasty. Here’s how: - Stovetop Method: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream. - Microwave Method: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir often to prevent uneven heating. You can freeze this dish, but the cream sauce may change texture. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container. Use it within 2 months for the best flavor and quality. Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes. To rehydrate them, soak the dried tomatoes in warm water for about 20 minutes. Afterward, drain and chop them before adding to your sauce. This method brings back their rich flavor, making them a great addition to the dish. You can serve this dish with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli for a healthy touch - A simple tomato salad to add freshness These sides will complement the creamy sauce and enhance your meal. To spice up the sauce, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These additions will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. To modify it, cook the spaghetti and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them together. This way, your meal stays fresh and delicious. To wrap up, we explored a delicious spaghetti dish with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The main ingredients create a rich flavor, while seasoning adds a tasty kick. We also discussed cooking tips and storage for leftovers. You can make simple swaps for dietary needs or enhance the flavor. This recipe is not only easy but also versatile. Enjoy making this dish and delight your taste buds!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/67d72ddb-6d44-4ca6-a865-9f2455d00f68-300x300.webp)