Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: A Savory and Nutritious Delight

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Indulge in a comforting and flavorful pasta dish with this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. This recipe combines hearty whole-wheat spaghetti with fresh spinach and a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • Fresh spinach leaves (about 4 cups)
  • 8 ounces of whole-wheat spaghetti or your favorite pasta

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained, with some of the packing oil set aside
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
    • During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot. Stir to wilt the spinach. Drain the pasta and spinach together and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
    • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Incorporate the Cream and Cheese:
    • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Tailor the salt and pepper to suit your personal taste.
    • Add the butter and stir until melted and well combined.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked spaghetti and spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Serve:
    • Divide the pasta among serving plates, making sure to distribute the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and whole-wheat spaghetti creates a delicious and balanced meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your pasta repertoire!

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