Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Delight

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

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!

- 8 oz spaghetti - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 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! 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. 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. 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! - 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!

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Elevate your dinner game with this Spaghetti Bliss featuring a rich Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! In just 30 minutes, you can create a creamy pasta dish that's bursting with flavor and nutrients. With fresh spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan, it's a perfect weeknight meal. Start cooking this delicious recipe now and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Click through for the full recipe!

Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for a vibrant garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rapid boil. Carefully add the spaghetti, cooking according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the drained spaghetti aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

      Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sweet, tangy flavors to infuse into the oil and garlic.

        Make It Creamy: Gently pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is rich and creamy.

          Incorporate Spinach: Fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt in the warm sauce, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.

            Combine Pasta: Introduce the drained spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure every strand is coated with the luscious sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and add red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Mix until thoroughly combined.

              Serve: Transfer the creamy spaghetti to serving plates, garnishing each dish with a few fresh basil leaves. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Präsentationstipps: To elevate the dish, serve with a side of garlic bread or a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

                    Leave a Comment

                    Recipe Rating