Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Save this recipe on:

It was one of those nights when I wanted comfort but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I reached for a handful of pantry staples, and what came out of my skillet was nothing short of magical. This Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce was creamy, cheesy, packed with rich flavor, and so quick to throw together. I barely had time to open a bottle of wine before it was done.

The balance is what struck me first. The savory, garlicky cream sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweetness. Fresh spinach brings in a vibrant pop of green, a little texture, and makes me feel like I did something good for myself. This dish doesn’t just satisfy cravings—it becomes a craving itself.

I love how this recipe adapts to your mood. Want it meatier? Add some grilled chicken or crispy pancetta. Need it lighter? Go for whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese. Whether you’re feeding family or cooking for one, this dish earns its spot in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This is comfort food with character. It’s luxurious without being heavy, and it feels fancy with minimal effort. The sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness, perfectly cutting through the richness of the cheese and cream. Spinach keeps it grounded and nourishing. What you’ll love the most is how effortlessly it comes together—a one-pot wonder that doesn’t skimp on bold flavor or creamy texture. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you’re craving something luscious and satisfying.

Ingredients

Spaghetti is the heart of the dish, offering the perfect texture for the creamy sauce to cling to. It’s satisfying, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Sun-dried tomatoes pack intense flavor. They provide sweet and tart notes that contrast beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Fresh spinach adds both nutrition and a touch of earthiness. It softens quickly and melds beautifully with the cream sauce.

Heavy cream forms the velvety base of the sauce. It gives the dish its signature rich and luscious feel.

Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce with its salty, nutty sharpness. It also helps thicken and bind the cream sauce.

Garlic is essential for depth. When sautéed in oil or butter, it builds a flavor foundation that perfumes the whole dish.

Butter or olive oil starts the cooking process and brings silkiness to the final sauce.

Italian seasoning or a blend of dried basil and oregano layers in a subtle herbaceous note that enhances every bite.

Salt and black pepper bring balance and make all the flavors shine.

How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them infuse the oil for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Seasoning

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until wilted and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to help loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan

Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. The sauce should be creamy and glossy.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the noodles beautifully.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy it warm and creamy right out of the pan.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily tailor this dish to your preferences or pantry. If you’re craving protein, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta. They pair exceptionally well with the cream sauce and bring more body to the meal. For a vegetarian twist, toss in roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts.

Lactose-sensitive? Swap the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like oat or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. And if you’re short on spinach, kale or arugula makes a great stand-in, though kale may need a bit longer to soften.

Even the pasta can be swapped. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options work beautifully here. Just make sure it holds onto the sauce well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

I love serving this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the sauce perfectly. A slice of garlic bread or warm ciabatta makes a great addition to soak up the extra cream. For drinks, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc brings a lovely contrast to the dish’s warmth.

This pasta also works as a side dish for proteins like grilled salmon, lemon herb chicken, or seared steak if you’re preparing a larger dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

If you want to freeze it, make sure the pasta is slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming too soft after thawing. Freeze in portions and reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

While spaghetti is classic, this recipe is flexible. You can use fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even tagliatelle. Just make sure it’s a pasta that clings well to sauce.

Can I make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Combine them just before serving to keep the texture creamy and smooth.

How can I make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce lighter?

Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream in place of heavy cream, reduce the amount of Parmesan, and increase the spinach to boost the health factor without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

You can use cherry tomatoes sautéed until caramelized, or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor twist.

Is Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes during the sauté stage if you like a bit of heat. It complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If this creamy pasta has won you over, you’ll absolutely fall for the Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe. It has that same satisfying richness with a kick of spice that makes it unforgettable. Another creamy indulgence to explore is the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, which pairs beautifully seasoned meatballs with a luscious parmesan base.

And if you’re looking for a light yet flavorful option, the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken is refreshing and packed with zingy brightness.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it next time you’re craving comfort in a bowl. Share it with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram—especially those who adore creamy pasta dishes that taste like they came from a restaurant. Trust me, they’ll thank you.

Save this recipe on: