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

Have you ever wanted a pasta dish that’s both comforting and healthy? Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce delivers just that. This recipe combines the earthiness of spinach, the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the richness of a creamy Parmesan sauce into a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or even for impressing guests. With every twirl of spaghetti, you’ll taste the balance of fresh ingredients and indulgent creaminess. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Here’s why this dish is sure to be a hit at your table:

• Creamy and Tangy: The sour cream and Parmesan create a rich, tangy sauce with plenty of flavor.
• Packed with Veggies: Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes not only add nutrition but also make this dish pop with vibrant colors.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or throw in extra veggies to make it your own.
• Comforting and Wholesome: It’s the best of both worlds—a dish that feels indulgent but is packed with nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Fresh spinach leaves	4 cups	Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh flavor.
Whole-wheat spaghetti (or any pasta)	8 ounces	Acts as the hearty base of the dish.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained)	½ cup	Provides tangy sweetness and a chewy texture.
Reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes	1-2 tablespoons	Used for sautéing and enhancing flavor.
Red onion (finely chopped)	1 small	Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves	Infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon (optional)	Adds a hint of spice.
Salt	To taste	Enhances the flavors of the dish.
Black pepper	To taste	Adds subtle spice and depth.
Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth	1 cup	Forms the base for the creamy sauce.
Sour cream	½ cup	Makes the sauce creamy and tangy.
Parmesan cheese (grated)	½ cup	Adds a salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
Butter	2 tablespoons	Adds a silky, rich finish to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the whole-wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
• During the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the fresh spinach leaves.
• Stir to wilt the spinach, then drain the pasta and spinach together. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth

• Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
• Pour in the 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.

Incorporate the Cream and Cheese

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked spaghetti and spinach to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
• Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

4. Finish with Butter and Serve

• Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter to give the sauce a glossy finish.
• Divide the pasta among serving plates, making sure to distribute the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes evenly.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of sour cream, and the saltiness of Parmesan create a sauce that’s complex and satisfying.

2. Nutritious Ingredients

With spinach, whole-wheat spaghetti, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.

3. Quick and Versatile

This one-pan wonder is ready in just 30 minutes and can be customized with extra vegetables or protein to suit your taste.

Nutritional Highlights

Nutrient	Source	Benefit
Fiber	Whole-wheat spaghetti, spinach	Promotes digestion and keeps you full.
Vitamin C	Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes	Boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
Protein	Parmesan cheese, sour cream	Builds and repairs body tissues.
Calcium	Parmesan cheese, sour cream	Strengthens bones and teeth.
Healthy Fats	Sun-dried tomato oil, butter	Provides energy and enhances flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, and good Parmesan cheese make all the difference.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
3. Customize the Dish: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for more protein and flavor.
4. Adjust the Spice: If you like heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
5. Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

FAQs About Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini would be delicious additions to this dish.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why You Should Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Tonight

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is more than just pasta—it’s a complete experience. From its creamy, tangy sauce to its nutrient-rich greens, this dish is satisfying and wholesome in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Try It Tonight!

Ready to bring some creamy, savory goodness to your dinner table? Gather your ingredients and make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce tonight. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget the extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy!

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