Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This flavorful pasta dish features sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight meals or cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 14 minutes mins
Total Time 24 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
- - 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- - 5 oz baby spinach about 5 cups
- - 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - Salt and black pepper to taste
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Sauté Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes, stirring to incorporate it with the other ingredients.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the half-and-half and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Keyword Creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato spaghetti, spinach pasta, quick dinner