Description
This creamy and flavorful Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce offers a delicious Italian-inspired vegetarian main course. Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, enhanced with fresh baby spinach and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meatless meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Garnish
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Spinach and Pasta: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and stir continuously until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the cream sauce. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- The sauce will thicken as it sits; add more reserved pasta water when reheating to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
