Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti and spinach swirled in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce creates an irresistible combination of luxurious textures and bold flavors. This restaurant-worthy pasta dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, with the rich, velvety sauce coating each strand of pasta while vibrant spinach and intensely flavored sun-dried tomatoes add both visual appeal and complex taste. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.

I started making this pasta years ago when I needed a quick dinner that felt special. What began as a "clean out the pantry" meal has become one of my signature dishes. My husband, typically skeptical of creamy pastas, requests this regularly, saying the sun-dried tomatoes cut through the richness perfectly. Even my tomato-averse niece cleans her plate when this is served.

Pasta Foundation

• Spaghetti: Creates the perfect vehicle for capturing the creamy sauce in every bite; choose high-quality pasta made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture and cooking resilience
• Olive oil: Builds the flavor base for the entire dish; extra virgin provides the most robust flavor, but a lighter olive oil works well too and lets the other ingredients shine
• Garlic: Provides essential aromatic foundation; fresh cloves minced just before cooking release the most vibrant flavor compounds that infuse the entire sauce
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Deliver concentrated umami and tangy sweetness; oil-packed varieties offer richer flavor and softer texture than dry-packed alternatives
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients and a subtle earthy counterpoint to the rich sauce; baby spinach requires no chopping and wilts beautifully
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base of the sauce; the high fat content ensures a stable emulsion that won't separate when heated
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally; freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors into focus; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper provide the cleanest taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for adding a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream sauce

Cooking Method

Perfect pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous tablespoon of salt until it tastes like seawater. Add spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Aromatic foundation:

While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and barely turning golden, about 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning which would impart bitterness.

Tomato infusion:

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic oil mixture, reducing heat slightly. Allow them to sizzle gently for 1-2 minutes, releasing their concentrated flavors into the oil and creating a richly colored base for your sauce.

Greens incorporation:

Add fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary, tossing with tongs until each addition wilts down. The spinach will reduce dramatically in volume, releasing some moisture that helps create a more cohesive sauce.

Sauce development:

Pour heavy cream into the skillet in a slow stream while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce heat to maintain the barest bubble around the edges. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.

Cheese integration:

Remove the skillet from heat before adding the grated Parmesan cheese in several additions, stirring between each until fully melted. This prevents the cheese from clumping or becoming stringy, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce texture.

Pasta finishing:

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the sauce, using tongs to toss thoroughly until every strand is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Flavor balancing:

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering that Parmesan adds saltiness. For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Resting period:

Allow the pasta to rest for 1-2 minutes in the sauce before serving, giving the starchy pasta time to absorb some of the flavors while the sauce slightly thickens to its perfect consistency.

Serving presentation:

Twirl generous portions onto warmed plates, creating height in the center. Garnish with additional Parmesan shavings and a light sprinkle of black pepper for a professional presentation.

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My Italian grandmother always insisted that pasta should be treated with respect, and her cardinal rule was never to rinse pasta after cooking. The starch that clings to each strand is essential for helping the sauce adhere properly. When I first made this dish for her years ago, she nodded approvingly as she watched me transfer the spaghetti directly from colander to sauce without rinsing. "Now you're cooking like an Italian," she said with a smile. I think of her every time I make this pasta, and how something as simple as properly handled spaghetti can carry forward family traditions.

Complementary Companions

Thoughtful pairings enhance this luxurious pasta dish beautifully. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan complements the creamy pasta with its peppery freshness and acidic notes. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a balanced plate. For wine enthusiasts, a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay cuts through the richness while harmonizing with the sun-dried tomatoes. The wine's acidity refreshes the palate between bites. Warm, crusty garlic bread makes an ideal accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the precious cream sauce – try rubbing a halved garlic clove over toasted Italian bread before drizzling with good olive oil for a simple but perfect side.

Tasty Transformations

Protein additions transform this versatile pasta dish into countless delicious variations. For seafood lovers, sauté jumbo shrimp or sea scallops separately until just cooked, then fold them gently into the finished pasta. The sweet, delicate seafood flavor pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Chicken enthusiasts might add sliced grilled chicken breast seasoned with Italian herbs, creating a heartier meal without overwhelming the sauce's nuanced flavors. For a vegetarian protein boost, consider stirring in cannellini beans or pan-fried halloumi cheese cubes just before serving. The beans add creamy texture while the cheese provides satisfying chewiness and salty notes that complement the sauce perfectly.

Leftover Magic

Proper storage techniques ensure this pasta remains delicious even days after preparation. Transfer completely cooled leftovers to a shallow airtight container, which allows for quicker cooling and reheating without overcooking the pasta. Refrigerate for up to three days, knowing the flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky consistency, warming gently over medium-low heat while stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until just heated through. For a creative transformation, chop cold leftovers and use as filling for an elegant omelet or savory crepes the next morning.

After years of cooking professionally, I've found that the most memorable dishes are often those that strike a perfect balance between simplicity and luxury. This sun-dried tomato cream pasta exemplifies that philosophy beautifully. The rich, velvety sauce feels indulgent, while the bright acidity of the tomatoes and the fresh spinach keeps everything from becoming too heavy. I love watching guests take their first bite and seeing their expressions change as they experience the layers of flavor. It's a reminder that cooking isn't just about following recipes—it's about creating experiences that bring people together around the table, transforming ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great with this creamy sauce, you can substitute any pasta you have on hand. Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work wonderfully.

→ How do I stop my cream sauce from curdling?

Keep your heat low when adding the cream and don't let it boil. Add the Parmesan off the heat, and stir continuously while the cheese melts into the sauce.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Cream sauces are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can cook the pasta ahead and make the sauce just before serving. Reheat leftover pasta gently with a splash of cream.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce won't be as thick. For a lighter version, try using evaporated milk with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.

→ Is there a way to add protein to this dish?

This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage. Simply cook your protein first, set it aside, then make the sauce in the same pan.