Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

In a world filled with fast meals and fleeting flavors, there is something profoundly comforting—and undeniably satisfying—about a bowl of creamy pasta. It’s a dish that doesn’t shout, but rather whispers warmth, inviting you in with its richness and layered flavors. When you take the velvety embrace of a cream sauce, the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the tender vibrancy of wilted spinach, and wrap it all around perfectly cooked spaghetti, you’re not just preparing dinner—you’re composing a dish with soul.

Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce represents a moment of balance in modern home cooking. It’s indulgent yet wholesome, bold yet familiar. It makes use of pantry staples while feeling like something you’d order at a neighborhood bistro. Every component plays a vital role: the sun-dried tomatoes bring intense, tangy umami; the spinach offers freshness and earthiness; and the cream rounds everything out into a luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti like a culinary hug.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its versatility. It can be dressed up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted mushrooms for a heartier meal—or kept vegetarian for a satisfying meatless option. It’s equally suited for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for a casual dinner party with friends. In less than 30 minutes, it delivers restaurant-level satisfaction without demanding a long ingredient list or expert techniques.

But as simple as it seems, the success of this dish lies in the details. The way you infuse flavor into the cream, the kind of sun-dried tomatoes you use, the texture of the cooked pasta, the timing of when the spinach goes in—all of these influence whether your final dish is merely good, or truly memorable. That’s why this guide doesn’t stop at the recipe. It takes you inside the technique, the ingredients, the variations, and the little chef’s tricks that transform a simple pasta into a deeply satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to gather and prepare all your ingredients. This helps the cooking process flow smoothly.

Gather:

• 200–250g (7–9 oz) spaghetti (or preferred long pasta)

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed for richer flavor)

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly chopped

• 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half, coconut cream, or a vegan cream alternative)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar if available for extra flavor)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for subtle heat

• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative for garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Prep:

• Drain and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes if whole or in strips.

• Chop the spinach and mince garlic and onions finely.

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente

1. Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt—this seasons the pasta from within.

2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions minus 1 minute to achieve al dente texture.

3. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

4. Drain the pasta and set aside, lightly tossing it with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. If you have oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, use some of that oil for extra richness.

2. Add the finely chopped onion or shallot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing their flavor to infuse into the oil and aromatics.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

1. Lower the heat to medium-low.

2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed ingredients.

3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

4. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Allow the cream sauce to thicken slightly—this usually takes 4–5 minutes.

6. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it while keeping it silky.

Step 5: Add and Wilt the Spinach

1. Add the chopped fresh spinach to the cream sauce.

2. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender—this usually takes about 2–3 minutes.

3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

2. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

3. Add additional reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs loosening or better adhesion to the noodles.

4. Cook together for 1–2 minutes over low heat to let the flavors meld and the pasta absorb some of the sauce.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

1. Using tongs, twirl the spaghetti onto plates or into shallow bowls.

2. Spoon extra sauce and spinach over the top.

3. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative.

4. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness.

5. Optionally, add a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh. Serve your spaghetti with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal experience.