Introduction
This creamy, comforting pasta dish combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with a deep, savory flavor, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. It’s a vegetarian meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Pasta:
- 250g (about 8 oz) spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 big handfuls of fresh spinach (about 2 cups, loosely packed)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to thin the sauce)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors release.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 3: Combine
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat all the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan, a twist of black pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Pair it with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein.
Tips & Variations
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite pasta substitute.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or meat alternatives.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more texture and flavor.