Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Satisfy your pasta cravings with this flavorful twist: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy texture, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach. Perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike, this dish brings gourmet flavor with simple ingredient. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s sure to impress. Let’s bring this rustic yet elegant pasta to life.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Get Started
Every ingredient has a flavorful purpose here. Creamy, savory, and a little tangy too. You likely have most of these ready. They combine into something truly special. Prep your pantry, gather fresh items. Here’s your full ingredient list:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or oat cream)
- 3 cups baby spinach, fresh
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon zest or basil leaves
Nutritional Benefits and Profile Overview
This dish can be both rich and healthy. With spinach and tomatoes, it’s nutrient-packed. Cream adds indulgence, spinach balances beautifully. Fiber, antioxidants, and calcium all present. Make portions mindful, add healthy tweaks. Here’s the average breakdown per serving:
- Calories: ~620 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Calcium: ~25% DV
How Much Time You Need
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Creating this dish is fun and easy. You’ll love how quick it comes together. Keep everything nearby before you begin. Follow the steps for best creamy results. Don’t rush the sauce—it’s key. Let’s bring it all together now:
- Cook spaghetti in salted water, drain.
- Heat olive oil in skillet, add garlic.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and flakes.
- Pour in cream, simmer until slightly thick.
- Add spinach, cook until wilted fully.
- Toss in pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives to Try
Want a lighter version of this pasta? A few swaps can change the game. Use oat cream or cashew cream base. Whole wheat spaghetti adds more fiber. Less cheese, more herbs still delights. Try these nourishing alternatives below:
- Use oat or almond cream base.
- Swap spaghetti for whole wheat version.
- Add more spinach, skip extra cheese.
- Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Try spiralized zucchini for fewer carbs.
- Cook tomatoes without extra added oil.
Creative and Flavorful Serving Suggestions
Make the most of presentation and pairing. This dish works beautifully in many ways. Pair it with a crunchy green salad. Add garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Serve in warmed bowls with herbs. Try these serving ideas below:
- With lemon zest and fresh basil.
- Alongside roasted garlic mushrooms.
- Topped with toasted pine nuts.
- With a chilled glass of white wine.
- Serve over sautéed zucchini ribbons.
- Add a soft poached egg on top.
How to Store and Reheat This Dish
Leftovers taste great when done right. Cream sauces need gentle reheating always. Avoid high heat to prevent separation. Store in fridge, well-sealed and cooled. Add splash of water before reheating. Follow these tips for fresh results:
- Store in airtight container, 3 days.
- Reheat on stove over low heat.
- Stir gently while sauce loosens.
- Avoid microwaving on full power.
- Add fresh spinach after reheating.
- Garnish again for vibrant presentation.
Kid-Friendly Adjustments for Picky Eaters
Even kids will enjoy this pasta delight. Creaminess helps hide healthy ingredients too. Reduce garlic or spice if needed. Chop spinach small or blend it in. Keep flavor gentle but still delicious. Here’s how to kid-proof your meal:
- Use mild cheese like mozzarella.
- Omit chili flakes for zero heat.
- Cut spinach finely or blend into sauce.
- Add sweet corn or peas for color.
- Use fun pasta shapes if preferred.
- Let kids sprinkle their own cheese.
Chef’s Secrets and Expert Cooking Tips
Little changes can make a big difference. Chefs rely on timing and balance here. Keep heat low to avoid splitting sauce. Always reserve pasta water—it’s golden. Don’t overcook the spinach or pasta. Use these pro-level tips at home:
- Add pasta water to smooth sauce.
- Stir sauce constantly once cream added.
- Choose oil-packed tomatoes for rich flavor.
- Finish with lemon for freshness.
- Use real Parmesan, not shelf-stable.
- Serve immediately to avoid drying out.
Conclusion
There you have it, simple yet sophisticated. Spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce is comfort with a twist. It’s versatile, easy to adapt, and crowd-pleasing. The creaminess and bright tomato notes shine. Perfect for vegetarians, pasta fans, and curious cooks. Try it once and you’ll come back again. Make it lighter, spicier, or cheesier—your choice. Share this recipe with a fellow pasta lover. Bookmark it for your weekly dinner rotation. Now go, create, and serve it proudly.