Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

ByDorothy Miller
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Craving a restaurant-quality dinner without the wait? This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce recipe delivers the best sun-dried tomato cream sauce pasta in just 20 minutes. The rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to every strand, making it an irresistible weeknight favorite. For another creamy pasta delight, try this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.

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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

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Spaghetti tossed in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with sautéed onion, garlic and plenty of fresh spinach for a quick, flavorful pasta dish.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Method: Main
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1–2 Tbsp oil)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (or reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5–6 oz)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil (or 1 Tbsp reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream; simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Whisk in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth; add crushed red pepper flakes if using and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water and toss to coat; add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  9. Fold in the fresh spinach and toss until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
  10. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

1) Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor; save some of the oil to sauté the aromatics. 2) Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but sauce will be thinner. 3) If sauce becomes too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 720
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 68
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 19
  • Cholesterol: 95

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

No, we don’t recommend it. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor and thicken the cream sauce, which is essential for this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Fresh tomatoes have too much water and will make the sauce thin and less flavorful.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

For a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half are good substitutes. Be aware the sauce will be slightly less rich. The key is to avoid boiling the substitute after adding it to prevent curdling in your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.

How can I add protein to this pasta dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans are excellent additions. Simply cook your protein separately and stir it in at the end with the spinach. This keeps the Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce versatile and satisfying.

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