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- 8 oz spaghetti - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing - Recommended side dishes When I cook spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, I love how easy it is. The key is to gather all your ingredients first. Start with the spaghetti, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Using fresh spinach adds great color and taste. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of flavor that makes the dish special. Next, don’t forget the heavy cream. It gives the sauce that creamy texture we all enjoy. For seasoning, we need garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried basil, sea salt, and black pepper. These ingredients blend together to make the sauce rich and satisfying. For a finishing touch, I like to add fresh basil leaves on top. They add a nice aroma and look great on the plate. You can also think about what side dishes to serve. A light salad or crusty bread pairs well with this meal. For the full recipe, check the section above. Let’s get cooking! Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. After draining, keep the spaghetti warm in the pot. In the same pot, set the heat to medium. Add the extra virgin olive oil. When the oil is hot, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it aromatic, not browned. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Now, add the chopped spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Now, it's time to make the sauce. Gently add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir in the dried basil too. Let this mix simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Watch it closely and stir occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Keep adding until you reach the right consistency. Introduce the cooked spaghetti back into the pot. Toss the spaghetti in the creamy sauce. Make sure every strand gets coated. Next, sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. Toss again until it melts and makes the dish creamy. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning. Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. To serve, use tongs to divide the spaghetti onto plates. This gives a nice, elegant look. Finish the dish with fresh basil leaves. You can also add more grated parmesan on top if you like. Enjoy this delicious meal! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the perfect sauce, you can adjust its thickness using pasta water. Start by reserving half a cup of water before draining your spaghetti. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This step keeps your sauce creamy and smooth. For flavor enhancement, always use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They add a rich taste. You can also include fresh herbs like basil for a bright note. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the overall flavor too. Preventing spaghetti from sticking is easy. Stir the pasta in the water right after adding it. Also, don’t forget to use plenty of salt in the boiling water. This adds flavor and helps keep the noodles separate. Timing is key for optimal flavor. Cook the spaghetti until it's al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the clock and taste as you go. This ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked. For storing leftovers, cool the pasta completely before putting it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the dish moist. Microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the dish's quality without drying it out. {{image_4}} You can swap out heavy cream for a lighter option. Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. If you want cheese, try nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. For the veggies, you can include other greens like kale or arugula. These alternatives offer different textures and tastes. You can even add bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch. If you want a vegan dish, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. Skip the parmesan and use a vegan cheese. This way, you keep the flavor while making it plant-based. For gluten-free pasta, many brands offer great options made from rice or quinoa. They cook well and work perfectly with the sauce. Just check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular spaghetti. Adding protein makes this dish heartier. Cooked chicken or shrimp pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. Just sauté them before adding the spinach. They absorb the flavors well and keep the meal satisfying. You can also try adding spices like red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten up the dish. Experimenting helps you find your perfect flavor balance. You can store leftover spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce in the fridge. It lasts about three to four days when kept in a good container. Use an airtight container to keep the sauce fresh. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. Label the container with the date to track freshness. If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese. Here are some best practices for freezing: - Let the dish cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container. - Leave some space at the top for expanding. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. You can heat it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to help bring back its creamy texture. Stir it often to avoid sticking. Enjoy your delicious meal even weeks later! Yes, you can use other pasta types! Here are some great options: - Penne - Fusilli - Fettuccine - Whole wheat pasta Each type adds a unique texture. Just remember to cook them until they are al dente. If you want a lighter option, try these: - Half-and-half: It’s less rich but still creamy. - Coconut milk: This adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. - Greek yogurt: It thickens well but keep it low heat to avoid curdling. Each alternative changes the flavor and texture a bit. Experiment to find your favorite! To add some heat, you can: - Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. - Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. - Add finely chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. These options can spice up your meal, so adjust to your taste! Consider these perfect sides: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh green salad for a light contrast. - Roasted vegetables to add some color and nutrition. These sides balance the rich flavor of the pasta dish. Yes, you can prep this meal in advance! Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. - Prepare the sauce and keep it in an airtight container. - Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal without the fuss on busy nights. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! This dish combines simple ingredients like spaghetti, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into a creamy delight. You learned how to cook spaghetti perfectly and make a rich cream sauce. With tips for garnishing and serving, you can impress anyone at the table. Remember, you can switch ingredients to suit your taste or diet. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations! Your kitchen adventures can lead to a meal that everyone will love.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Indulge in Spaghetti Bliss with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, a perfect dish for any pasta lover! With simple ingredients like fresh spinach, creamy sauce, and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is delightful and easy to make. In just 25 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that's sure to impress. Click through to explore this recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil for added flavor)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente (firm to the bite). Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. After draining, set the spaghetti aside in the pot (off the heat) to keep warm.

    Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same pot, set over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes aromatic but not browned. Next, add the chopped spinach, stirring continuously until it is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

      Prepare the Sauce: Gently fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and dried basil. Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream has thickened slightly. Should you find the sauce too thick for your liking, incorporate a little of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Introduce the cooked spaghetti back into the pot, tossing it in the luscious cream sauce until every strand is well-coated. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese into the mix and keep tossing until it melts and the overall dish becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

          Serve and Garnish: Use tongs to elegantly divide the spaghetti onto individual serving plates. Finish with a flourish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4 servings