Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach Bliss Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach Bliss Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy sun-dried tomato spaghetti that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Vibrant spinach weaves through silky strands, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes sing against soft noodles, delivering intense bursts of richness.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers the call with elegance.

Packed with nutrients and incredible depth, each forkful promises a delightful culinary journey.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that will make you the star of dinner.

Dive in and savor every single bite of this magical pasta experience.

FAQs

  • Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach Bliss is vegetarian, featuring spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pasta, and dairy ingredients like heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to create a gluten-free version of this dish.

  • How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy by default. The garlic and sun-dried tomatoes provide flavor depth without heat. If you want spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

  • What type of sun-dried tomatoes work best?

Jarred sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil are ideal for this recipe. They’re already softened, packed with flavor, and easy to incorporate into the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti That’s Creamy and Light

  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this creamy spaghetti in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Veggie Delight: Packed with nutritious spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers a healthy twist on classic pasta that appeals to both adults and kids.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only a handful of simple pantry staples, making it an budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavor or elegance.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Transforms everyday ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-style meal that impresses guests without complex cooking techniques or expensive ingredients.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach – What to Gather

Pasta Base:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the foundation of the dish, providing a perfect texture for the creamy sauce.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and luxurious ingredients that create a smooth, velvety sauce with deep, complex flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Boosters:
  • Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense flavor enhancers that add depth and Mediterranean-inspired character to the dish.
Fresh Ingredients:
  • Spinach, Fresh Basil: Vibrant green elements that provide color, nutrition, and a fresh herbaceous note.
Optional Garnish:
  • Pine Nuts: Crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty richness to the final presentation.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings and cooking medium that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti Creamy Sauce Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite spaghetti and cook it according to the package directions.

Once done, drain the pasta but keep a half cup of the starchy cooking water for later magic.

Set the pasta aside and get ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Drop in the minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Wilt the Greens

Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and watch them soften and shrink, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they’re beautifully wilted and vibrant.

Step 4: Introduce Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the spinach for about a minute, releasing their intense, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Create a Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Stir occasionally and let the sauce thicken for 4-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Cheese and Season

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper.

Keep stirring until the sauce becomes incredibly creamy and irresistible.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated in the luscious sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta in beautiful bowls.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Pasta Flavor Tips for Tomato Spinach Spaghetti

  • Cook spaghetti just until firm to maintain the perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
  • Keep some starchy pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping create a silky, smooth consistency.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative that still delivers rich, creamy results.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this dish into a more substantial meal with extra nutritional value.
  • Toast pine nuts briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch as a final garnish.

Tomato Spaghetti Storage Guide

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pasta to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth.
  • Revive cold pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of water or cream, stirring gently until heated through and sauce becomes smooth again.
  • This creamy pasta doesn't freeze well due to the heavy cream and cheese, which can separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.

Flavor Matches for Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a balanced flavor experience.
  • Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright contrast to the rich and creamy pasta, adding a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Match with Grilled Chicken Breast: Slice a simply seasoned grilled chicken breast to add lean protein and a smoky dimension that enhances the sun-dried tomato and spinach flavors without overwhelming the dish.
  • Serve with Toasted Ciabatta: Brush a few slices of ciabatta with olive oil and garlic, then toast until golden, creating a perfect crispy side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add textural variety.

Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti Pasta Options

  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that keeps the creamy sauce intact.
  • Vegan Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free, plant-based rendition that maintains the rich, tangy flavor profile.
  • Protein-Packed Chicken Option: Add grilled or shredded chicken breast to increase protein content, transforming the dish into a more substantial meal while keeping the original sauce and vegetable components.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers to enhance the Mediterranean essence of the recipe, providing a delightful flavor complexity.
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach Bliss Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Spinach Bliss Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Simmering with Mediterranean charm, Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti weaves rich, velvety flavors into each twirled pasta strand. Spinach adds emerald freshness while creamy sauce whispers comfort, inviting you to savor Italian-inspired culinary magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare spaghetti according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Carefully preserve a half cup of starchy pasta water when draining.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, releasing aromatic garlic until golden and fragrant.
  3. Introduce fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, gently wilting them until tender and vibrant green.
  4. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, stirring briefly to integrate their intense, concentrated flavor profile.
  5. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and gradually thicken, creating a luxurious sauce consistency.
  6. Gradually fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth.
  7. Delicately toss cooked spaghetti within the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is thoroughly coated. Adjust sauce consistency by incrementally adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Transfer the sauced pasta to serving dishes, finishing with an optional elegant garnish of fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts for added texture and aromatic complexity.

Notes

  • Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
  • Customize Your Greens: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly more robust flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this dish suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Quick Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform this into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 624
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 86 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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