Embark on a culinary journey with this rich and aromatic Spaghetti & Spinach recipe, adorned with a luxurious Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This dish weaves together the earthy tones of spinach, the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy depth of sour cream and Parmesan. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Let’s dive into the preparation.
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- Half a cup of slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, along with an additional tablespoon of oil from the jar.
- Half a cup of onions, sliced thinly and halved.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth for the recipe.
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat spaghetti and cook as per the instructions on the package until it reaches al dente consistency. Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta water, as it will be used later in the recipe. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- To the skillet, add the chopped baby spinach and slivered sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Create the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, then lower the heat and stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the unsalted butter for an extra touch of richness.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. If necessary, add more pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
- Serve:
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove from heat. Serve the spaghetti and spinach in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying. Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite for any pasta lover.