Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti: Your New Weeknight Pasta Obsession
By Jason Griffith
Imagine twirling your fork into a comforting plate of spaghetti, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the sweet-tart intensity of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh, wilted spinach. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti is that dream realized – a quick, elegant, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple date night in. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that comes together in one pan (plus the pasta pot!) with minimal fuss, proving that truly delicious meals don’t need to be complicated.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer in the power of pasta to deliver comfort and joy, and this recipe is a standout. What I absolutely adore about this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti is how it achieves such deep, complex flavors in so little time. The richness of the heavy cream is perfectly balanced by the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, while the fresh spinach adds a welcome lightness. The garlic acts as a fragrant backbone, tying all these wonderful elements together. It feels incredibly gourmet, yet it’s wonderfully straightforward, making it a go-to whenever I crave something indulgent but quick.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Pasta Type: While spaghetti is classic for this dish, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, linguine, or rotini.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) are recommended for the best flavor and soft texture. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 15-20 minutes before chopping.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for aromatic depth.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the best richness and velvety texture. For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and superior flavor. Pre-grated varieties can sometimes be drier or clump.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds vibrant color and nutrients. You can also use chopped fresh kale, but it will need a bit longer to wilt down into the sauce.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes to taste, or omit them entirely if you prefer no heat.
- Add Protein: For a more complete meal, you can easily add cooked protein like grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage to the sauce just before adding the spaghetti.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): A few fresh basil leaves chopped and stirred in at the end with the spinach would enhance the flavors beautifully.
Directions:
1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the spaghetti well and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics & Tomatoes: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, allowing them to warm through and release their concentrated flavor.
3. Wilt Spinach & Add Cream: Stir in the 2 cups fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, tossing continuously, until the spinach has just wilted down. Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Combine & Finish: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss well, ensuring every strand of spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Stir in the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and a pop of color.
5. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful pasta dish!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook spaghetti to al dente so it holds up well in the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
- Warm Sauce, Hot Pasta: Adding hot, freshly cooked pasta to the warm sauce ensures everything combines beautifully and stays hot.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Use a large enough skillet to comfortably toss the pasta and sauce without making a mess.
- Fresh Parmesan is Best: It melts smoother and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Protein Boost: For added protein, serve with grilled or pan-seared chicken or shrimp.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Pinot Grigio, an unoaked Chardonnay, or a light-bodied Sangiovese would complement the flavors beautifully.
- For other comforting pasta dishes and flavorful weeknight meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce for a traditional pasta night.
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast for an effortless Italian classic.
- Tuscan Salmon with Creamy Garlic Penne if you love creamy pasta with a protein.
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor for another quick, flavorful skillet meal.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy pasta dishes are generally best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and pasta can soften upon standing.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You will likely need to add a splash of extra heavy cream or chicken/vegetable broth to re-loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency, as it will thicken significantly in the fridge. Avoid high heat when reheating.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate, and the pasta texture can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti is a delightful testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create a truly comforting and gourmet-tasting meal. Its rich, tangy sauce and fresh additions make it a standout pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to add this quick and flavorful pasta to your regular dinner rotation!
What are your favorite ways to incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into a dish, or do you have a go-to quick pasta recipe? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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