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.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Name: No-Bake Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

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

Scale

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)

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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