Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce – A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish

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Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting, restaurant-style pasta dish that’s easy to prepare at home and bursting with flavor, then this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is for you. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory elements, made with rich heavy cream, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This dish delivers gourmet appeal with simple ingredients — all coming together in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this dish is also highly adaptable. Whether you’re a vegetarian, want to add a protein, or are looking to make it a bit lighter, there’s a variation for every preference. Read on for a full breakdown, including the origin of the recipe, health benefits, serving suggestions, and expert tips.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe centers on a luscious, sun-dried tomato cream sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti with flavor. The combination of garlic-infused olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream creates a velvety base, while Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth and a gentle kick.

Fresh spinach is folded into the sauce for added nutrition and color, and everything is tossed with al dente spaghetti to create a dish that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying.

History and Origin

Pasta has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and cream-based sauces — though not traditional in all regions of Italy — have become popular globally due to their luxurious texture and compatibility with a variety of ingredients.

Sun-dried tomatoes, which gained culinary popularity in the 1980s and 1990s in American and European kitchens, originated as a way to preserve summer tomatoes for the winter months. Their intense flavor, slight chew, and oil-packed richness make them a popular addition to many modern pasta dishes.

The inspiration behind this particular dish likely stems from the fusion of Italian-American cooking: bringing together the indulgence of cream-based pasta sauces with the bold punch of sun-dried tomatoes and the healthfulness of leafy greens like spinach.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

  • 4 cups fresh spinach

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).

  3. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Sauce

  1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden — be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

  1. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to cook for 2–3 minutes.

  2. This helps them soften and release their flavor into the oil, creating a flavorful base for the cream sauce.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

  1. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the tomato mixture.

  2. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).

  3. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  4. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach

  1. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, a handful at a time.

  2. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts completely and is well-incorporated into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.

  2. Gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is fully coated in the cream sauce.

  3. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Divide the pasta among serving plates.

  2. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

  3. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic Bread – A classic side that’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

  • Fresh Garden Salad – Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette provide balance.

  • Roasted Vegetables – Such as zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

  • Herbed Flatbread or Focaccia – A great alternative to traditional bread.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

For non-alcoholic pairings:

  • Sparkling Water with Lemon or Cucumber

  • Unsweetened Iced Tea with Fresh Herbs

  • Chilled Apple or Grape Juice (for a touch of sweetness)

These pairings refresh the palate and complement the creamy, savory nature of the dish without overpowering the flavors.

Variations of the Recipe

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative spins to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Protein Additions

  • Grilled Chicken or Chicken Ham – Adds a lean protein boost.

  • Turkey Bacon Bits – For a crispy, smoky finish.

  • Grilled Shrimp – For a seafood-inspired twist.

Vegetarian Alternatives

  • Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream – A great non-dairy alternative to heavy cream.

  • Tofu Cubes or Chickpeas – For added protein without meat.

Pasta Alternatives

  • Whole Wheat Pasta – For extra fiber.

  • Gluten-Free Pasta – To make it celiac-friendly.

  • Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) – For a low-carb version.

Health Benefits Notes

While this pasta is rich, it also comes with some healthful elements:

  • Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin K.

  • Sun-dried tomatoes offer antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.

  • Olive oil is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

  • Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

To lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative or use a smaller portion and increase the volume of vegetables.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy consistency.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but you can freeze the sun-dried tomato and spinach base (without cream) and add cream fresh during reheating.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like fusilli will all work well.

Is this dish spicy?

Only slightly, and only if you include the red pepper flakes. You can easily omit them for a milder dish.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect blend of indulgence and wholesome ingredients. It’s a comforting, versatile meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner parties. With its rich, creamy texture, vibrant colors, and robust flavors, this dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

Whether you enjoy it as-is or tailor it with your favorite proteins and dairy-free alternatives, this recipe is a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and creativity. Try it tonight — and don’t forget to save some for lunch tomorrow!

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