Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal!)

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner! Tender whole-wheat spaghetti and fresh spinach are tossed in a rich and creamy sauce infused with the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. I love how this recipe is both healthy and satisfying, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. It's a great way to get your vegetables in, and it's sure to become a new family favorite!

Why You'll Love This Spaghetti & Spinach

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and savory sauce.
• Healthy: Made with whole-wheat spaghetti and fresh spinach, it's a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• One-Pot (Almost!): The spinach wilts right in the colander with the pasta, minimizing cleanup.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite additions or substitutions.

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

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious pasta. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Baby spinach, coarsely chopped (Vegetable)
• Whole-wheat spaghetti (Pasta)
• Slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (Vegetable)
• Onion, halved and thinly sliced (Vegetable)
• Garlic, minced (Aromatic)
• Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• Sour cream (Dairy)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (Dairy)
• Unsalted butter (Fat)

Seasoning

• Crushed Red Pepper
• Salt
• Ground Pepper

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
• More Vegetables: Add some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts.
• Make it Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Different Cheese: Use Asiago, Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of Parmesan.
• Different Pasta: Use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine.

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

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

Cook the Pasta and Wilt Spinach

1. I place the spinach in a large colander in the sink.
2. I bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat.
3. I add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions.
4. I drain the pasta over the spinach in the colander; the hot water will wilt the spinach perfectly. I toss to combine the spinach and pasta.

Sauté Onion and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Meanwhile, I heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. I add the sliced onion and sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

1. I add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
2. I cook, stirring, for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add Broth and Reduce

1. I increase the heat to medium-high and add the broth to the skillet.
2. I cook, stirring, until the broth is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.

Stir in Creamy Ingredients

1. I stir in the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Serve

1. I add the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet.
2. I toss everything to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
3. I serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pasta

Here are my secrets for making this pasta dish truly exceptional:

• Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a more intense flavor and a softer texture than dry-packed tomatoes.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to your liking.

How to Serve

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would complement the pasta nicely.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, would pair well with this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs about Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like.
• Can I make this without the sour cream?
  • You can substitute the sour cream with heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
• Can I make this vegetarian?
  • Yes, it is

Enjoy this quick, easy, and flavorful Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce! It's a perfect weeknight meal that's sure to become a new favorite.

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