Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Enjoy a rich and creamy spaghetti dish partnered with fresh spinach and infused with the delightful flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is quick to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Colander for draining pasta
- 1 Large pan or skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- as desired fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach into the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, combining until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the spaghetti and sauce mixture and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can add chicken or shrimp for added protein if desired.