Hey there, pasta lovers! If you’re craving a quick yet sophisticated dish, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is your go-to. This recipe blends vibrant flavors with creamy richness for an unforgettable meal.
As an advanced cook, you’ll appreciate how this dish balances tangy sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into this flavorful creation. With just 20 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality plate of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce that smells like hours of cooking.
Table Of Contents
Delicious Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato
Why This Dish Is a Must-Try
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce isn’t just another pasta recipe. It’s a quick, flavor-packed meal that advanced cooks will love for its clever techniques and bold taste. Here’s why it stands out in your recipe collection.
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing depth of flavor.
- Rich Flavors: The sun-dried tomato oil base infuses the sauce with a tangy intensity that pairs beautifully with creamy elements.
- Nutrient Boost: Fresh spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and a vibrant color, elevating the dish’s appeal.
- Versatile Appeal: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets or different pasta shapes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any table.
Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Let’s gather the essentials for crafting Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. These ingredients are simple but create a complex, satisfying flavor profile.
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti (for added fiber)
- 5 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained, reserve oil)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Important Ingredient Notes:
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• Fresh spinach wilts best with hot pasta.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this dish is straightforward, especially for seasoned cooks. Follow these steps to bring Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce to life in your kitchen.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. While it cooks, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and measure out your spinach.
Step 2: Sauté Base
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
Step 3: Build Sauce
Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, then add sour cream, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Place spinach in a colander. Drain hot spaghetti over it to wilt. Toss the pasta and spinach with the sauce in the skillet. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips
Take your pasta game up a notch with these pro tips tailored for advanced cooks.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up without losing flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Toast a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sun-dried tomatoes for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess.
- Texture Play: Reserve some sun-dried tomatoes to sprinkle on top for a chewy contrast to the silky sauce.
No-Bake Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick yet sophisticated dish that blends vibrant flavors with creamy richness. This recipe balances tangy sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach for an unforgettable meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
- 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained (reserve oil)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, chop sun-dried tomatoes and measure out spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic to skillet.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, then add sour cream, stirring until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and let sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Place spinach in a colander and drain hot spaghetti over it to wilt the spinach.
- Toss the pasta and spinach with the sauce in the skillet.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor. Fresh spinach wilts best with hot pasta. If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Variations & Alternatives
Experimenting is half the fun! Here are some creative twists on Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for when you want to switch things up.
- Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula. Sauté tougher greens briefly before adding to maintain a pleasant bite.
- Pasta Shapes: Use penne or fettuccine instead of spaghetti. Shorter shapes hold sauce well, offering a different mouthfeel.
- Protein Add-In: Toss in grilled chicken strips for a heartier meal. Season lightly to keep the sauce as the star.
What to Serve Alongside
Pairing this pasta with the right sides elevates the meal. Here are some ideas to complement your dish.
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- Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce, adding a delightful crunch.
- Simple Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted zucchini or asparagus for an extra dose of flavor and nutrients on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does spinach go with tomato sauce?
Yes, spinach pairs wonderfully with tomato sauce, especially in dishes like Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. The earthy spinach complements the fruity acidity of tomatoes perfectly. It also adds a healthy touch and vibrant green color.
Use fresh or lightly wilted spinach to preserve texture. This combo is ideal for a balanced, flavorful pasta.
What does adding heavy cream to spaghetti sauce do?
Adding cream to spaghetti sauce, as in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, creates a smoother, milder texture. It balances the acidity of tomatoes and binds flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Use it sparingly to avoid a heavy sauce, and stir it in last to prevent curdling.
Do you cook spinach before putting it in pasta?
Whether you cook spinach before adding it to pasta depends on the recipe. For Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, it’s often unnecessary as fresh spinach wilts quickly in the hot sauce. Add it raw to retain nutrients.
For larger batches or older spinach, a quick blanch reduces bitterness.
Can you mix tomato and spinach?
Absolutely, tomatoes and spinach mix beautifully, as seen in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. The tangy acidity of tomatoes pairs with the mild, earthy taste of spinach. This combo is tasty and nutrient-rich. Avoid overcooking spinach to keep its vibrant color and appeal.
What should not be mixed with spinach?
Spinach, as used in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, shouldn’t be paired with foods that hinder nutrient absorption. Calcium-rich dairy can reduce iron uptake from spinach. Avoid excessive acidic ingredients beyond tomatoes, as they may overpower the flavor.
Also, skip raw fish with raw spinach to minimize bacterial risks.
Conclusion
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a standout dish that blends speed with sophistication. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create bold, memorable flavors.
Ready to impress at your next meal? Give this recipe a try and share your twist in the comments. Let’s cook up something amazing together!
