Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

The moment you toss the al dente spaghetti into that luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, it’s like a flavor explosion on your taste buds. The sauce is silky, rich, and just the right balance of tangy from the tomatoes and creamy from the parmesan and heavy cream. Every bite carries a little burst of umami from the sun-dried tomatoes, which are the unsung heroes of this dish, adding that perfect depth and earthiness. The spinach, wilted just enough, brightens the whole dish with a fresh, vibrant note that cuts through the creaminess without overpowering it. It’s like a comforting hug on a plate.

As you twirl the pasta, the sauce clings beautifully, making each bite feel indulgent but not too heavy. The sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes contrasts wonderfully with the slight bitterness of the spinach, creating a harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. And the best part? It’s simple to make, so you can recreate this warm, comforting meal any night of the week. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

Key Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

When it comes to making this dish, each ingredient plays a key role in building those unforgettable flavors. From the perfectly al dente spaghetti to the richness of the sun-dried tomato cream sauce, everything works together in harmony to make every bite delicious. Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients that bring this meal to life:

• Spaghetti: The foundation of the dish, perfectly cooked to a tender bite, holding the sauce beautifully and giving you that satisfying pasta experience.
• Fresh Spinach: This vibrant green adds color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream sauce without overwhelming the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, it helps infuse the flavors into the sauce and adds a touch of smoothness.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little powerhouses of flavor bring a tangy, slightly sweet, and umami-packed punch that takes the sauce to another level.
• Garlic: The aromatic base of the sauce, minced garlic gives the dish that comforting savory depth and a slight sweetness when it’s sautéed.
• Heavy Cream: This silky ingredient gives the sauce its creamy texture, turning it into a luscious blanket for the pasta. It’s the key to making the sauce indulgently rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: This nutty, salty cheese is sprinkled in to elevate the sauce, adding a subtle complexity and a smooth finish that ties everything together.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of these fiery flakes adds a gentle heat, giving the dish just the right kick without stealing the spotlight.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients and seasoning the sauce perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the other savory notes in the sauce.
• Water: A splash of water helps to loosen the sauce just enough to coat the pasta evenly, ensuring that every bite is perfectly sauced.

These ingredients work together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting—a true celebration of simple yet bold flavors.

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

Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Add a Side Salad for Freshness: Pair this rich and creamy dish with a simple, crisp salad to balance out the indulgence. A light arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette works wonders, offering a peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the pasta.

2. Serve with Crusty Bread: There’s nothing better than sopping up every last bit of that velvety sauce with some warm, crusty bread. Whether you go for a classic baguette or a soft focaccia, it’ll be the perfect accompaniment to mop up all the goodness on your plate.

3. Top with Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Want to turn this dish into a heartier meal? Add a little protein by topping it with juicy grilled chicken or succulent shrimp. The flavors meld beautifully, and the addition of protein makes it perfect for a more filling dinner.

What’s your favorite way to make a meal like this extra special?

How to Store Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly will ensure you can enjoy this dish again without losing any of its deliciousness. Start by letting the pasta cool down to room temperature before packing it away. This helps avoid condensation in the container, which can make your sauce a little watery. For the best storage, place your spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container—this keeps everything fresh and prevents any of those lovely flavors from escaping.

If you’re planning to eat the leftovers within a few days, store them in the fridge. The dish will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, and the creamy sauce will remain smooth as long as it’s properly sealed. Just give it a good stir when reheating to bring it all back together.

For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce, though the texture of the spinach might change a bit after thawing. To freeze, portion the pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to bring it back to its creamy, flavorful glory.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite weeknight dinner, made simple yet bursting with flavor. This spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce is the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, with the creaminess of the sauce, the tang of the sun-dried tomatoes, and the vibrant touch of spinach. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing friends at a cozy dinner gathering, this dish is sure to wow everyone at the table.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s one of those meals you can’t help but crave—comforting, flavorful, and just so satisfying. Let me know if you try it out, or if you’ve got any twists on it that make it your own! I’d love to hear all about how it turns out for you.

Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions, feedback, or stories to share about your cooking adventure. I’m always here to chat about food!

Print Recipe

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around tender spaghetti, complemented by fresh spinach for a burst of color and earthiness. This rich, velvety dish strikes the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh—comfort in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to bring out their flavors.
6. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
7. Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
9. Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
10. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
11. Once the spinach has wilted, add the water to the skillet and stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
12. When the spaghetti is done cooking, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
13. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
14. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is the desired consistency.
15. Continue to cook the pasta and sauce together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
16. Serve the spaghetti and spinach immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Note

• Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can help adjust the sauce consistency.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
• Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Keywords: spaghetti spinach recipe, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, creamy spinach pasta, vegetarian spaghetti recipe, sun-dried tomato pasta