Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·4 from 9 reviews

I absolutely adore this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe because it combines vibrant flavors with a creamy texture that feels indulgent yet fresh. It has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something quick but impressive, and I love how the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes bring brightness to every bite. If you appreciate pasta dishes that are cozy but not heavy, this recipe will probably win your heart the same way it did mine.

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

What really makes this dish stand out for me is its perfect balance between the richness of the creamy sauce and the subtle tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic-infused olive oil adds a beautiful aroma and depth, while the fresh spinach keeps things lively, giving the pasta a colorful and healthy twist. Every forkful feels like a comforting hug, but without that feeling of being weighed down.

On top of being delicious, this recipe is incredibly easy to put together. I can have a full, satisfying meal on the table in about 35 minutes, and that’s without any fancy kitchen gadgets or complicated techniques. It’s super approachable for any weeknight dinner, but trust me, it’s elegant enough to serve when you have guests. It’s a personal favorite when I want something special that doesn’t take all day to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and small containers arranged on a white marbled surface. One large white bowl is filled with fresh, dark green spinach leaves. Next to it, a smaller white bowl contains bright red sun-dried tomatoes. Another large white bowl holds a soft, smooth ball of white mozzarella cheese. A little farther, there is a white bowl with finely chopped white onions. Small containers hold yellow-colored powder, a light amber liquid, red chili flakes, chopped red chili, and four white garlic cloves. A few fresh green basil leaves rest on the marbled surface near the bowls, and a white bowl full of wide, light yellow pasta ribbons is placed on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients — each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From fresh greens to creamy Parmesan, every element harmonizes beautifully.

8 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and delicate earthiness.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a bold, concentrated sweetness and tang.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and infusing the dish with its fruity aroma.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a pungent, savory backbone to the sauce with just the right kick.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and creamy texture when melted.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces just a hint of spice to brighten the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional): A gorgeous finish that adds both freshness and visual appeal.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, generally around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, watching carefully so it doesn’t brown but becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Toss in the chopped fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes release their concentrated flavor into the oil.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir continuously to combine the cream with the sautéed vegetables, creating a smooth base.

Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if using, and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens just slightly, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss carefully to coat every strand in the luscious sauce, making sure nothing sticks and every bite is flavorful.

Step 7: Allow the dish to rest for a minute or two off the heat so that all the flavors can meld beautifully together.

Step 8: Garnish now with fresh basil leaves if you have them on hand. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people, which is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a small dinner party with friends. The prep time is just 5 minutes, and the cooking itself takes roughly 30 minutes for a total of 35 minutes. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

How to Serve This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of a creamy pasta cooked with many thin, flat noodles spread throughout the pan. On top, there are light orange-colored sauce layers mixed in with green spinach leaves and small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes that add color contrast. The sauce looks smooth and coats the noodles well with some small dark herbs sprinkled all over. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to add some crunch and contrast to the creamy pasta. A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complements the meal wonderfully without overpowering it. Presentation matters to me too — I like to plate the pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh aroma.

For beverages, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio matches the cream sauce’s richness perfectly, while a sparkling water infused with lemon makes a refreshing non-alcoholic option. This recipe is great for occasions ranging from a comforting weeknight meal to a casual dinner with friends, and I always recommend serving it hot or warm to let the sauce shine.

Portion size can be generous or modest depending on the crowd, but I find that a heaping plateful with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a touch of freshly cracked pepper is just right to satisfy appetites without feeling heavy.

Variations

I’ve found that this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you want to make it vegan, swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute works well, paired with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. For gluten-free eaters, any gluten-free spaghetti pasta will do the trick without compromising taste or texture.

For a bit of protein, I sometimes add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp right before tossing the pasta with the sauce. You could also experiment with using kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green texture and flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of smoked paprika brings exciting variations to the sauce.

Another twist I enjoy is roasting the sun-dried tomatoes slightly before tossing them in, which intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky note. Alternatively, stirring in a splash of white wine into the cream sauce as it simmers creates a lovely depth that’s perfect for special occasions.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the flavors fresh. The dish will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Before storing, make sure the pasta has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation that can make it soggy.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this particular pasta because the cream sauce can sometimes separate and change texture when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, place the dish in a freezer-safe container, leaving some breathing room for expansion, and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight and prepare to gently reheat with some added cream or milk to help bring back creaminess.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer gently warming the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore its silky sauce texture. Microwaving can be a quick option but risks uneven heating and drying out, so stirring frequently or covering loosely with a damp paper towel helps. Avoid overheating to keep the spinach from turning mushy and the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?

While you can technically use dried spinach, it won’t provide the same fresh taste or texture in this recipe. Fresh spinach wilts nicely and balances the richness of the sauce, so I highly recommend using fresh for the best results.

What can I substitute for heavy cream if I’m looking for a lighter version?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a little cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still flavorful with these options.

Is it okay to use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or dry-packed?

Both types work, but if using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you might want to reduce the added olive oil slightly to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Dry-packed tomatoes may need to be rehydrated in warm water before chopping.

How spicy does the red pepper flakes make the dish?

The amount here is pretty mild, just offering a subtle heat that complements the creaminess without overwhelming it. You can always adjust the amount to suit your personal spice preference or leave them out completely.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic or spinach to incorporate them smoothly into the sauce and add more texture and flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe a try soon — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time I make it. The creaminess with that bright tomato and fresh green touch is irresistible. It’s easy, flavorful, and amazingly comforting all at once, and I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy it as much as I do!