Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce 2025

Pasta has always been the universal language of comfort food. But when you combine tender spaghetti with the earthy green goodness of spinach and the rich intensity of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, you get something truly magical.

Welcome to your new go-to dinner: Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, impressive enough for guests, and nourishing enough to keep in your regular rotation.

Whether you’re looking for a meatless dinner idea, something gourmet that takes under 30 minutes, or a pasta dish that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome—this recipe has it all.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

2. Why This Dish Works

This recipe hits all the right notes:

✅ Creamy & Luxurious: The sauce is rich without being heavy, thanks to a balance of cream and parmesan.
✅ Tangy & Bold: Sun-dried tomatoes bring umami and brightness that cuts through the cream beautifully.
✅ Fresh & Wholesome: Baby spinach adds nutrition, color, and earthy depth.
✅ Customizable: Add protein, spice, or herbs to suit your taste.
✅ Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

This combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced home cooks.

3. Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s understand what each ingredient brings to the dish:

Pasta

Spaghetti (8 oz): The perfect long pasta for clinging to creamy sauces. Can be swapped with linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free alternatives.

Aromatics & Base

Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for maximum flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warmth and depth.

Vegetables

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, sliced): Tangy, chewy, and packed with concentrated flavor.
Baby Spinach (3 cups): A healthy green that wilts perfectly into the sauce.

Sauce Components

Heavy Cream (1 cup): Forms the rich, creamy base of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds nuttiness and saltiness to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Brings a gentle heat.
Dried Italian Herbs (½ tsp, optional): Adds complexity and fragrance.

Seasoning

Salt and Pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all other flavors.

Pasta Water (2–3 tbsp, reserved): Helps emulsify the sauce and create the perfect texture.

4. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

🍝 Pro Tip: Adding salt to your water is crucial—it’s the only time to directly season the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.

🔥 Why it matters: Heating sun-dried tomatoes in oil releases their natural sweetness and richness.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add 3 cups of fresh baby spinach.
Stir until fully wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help steam, if needed.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low.
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs.
Simmer gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens—about 3–5 minutes.

🧀 Cream sauce tip: Don’t boil the cream! Low heat keeps it from curdling and maintains a smooth texture.

Step 5: Add Pasta & Toss

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss well to coat all strands with the sauce.
Adjust consistency with more reserved pasta water, if needed.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve hot in bowls or plates.
Top with additional parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Add fresh basil or parsley for color and flavor.

5. Flavor Variations & Substitutions

Protein Additions

Grilled Chicken: Add for extra protein and a meatier meal.
Shrimp or Scallops: A gourmet twist.
Tofu or Chickpeas: Keep it vegetarian while boosting protein.

Sauce Alternatives

Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Vegan Cream Sauce: Use full-fat coconut milk and vegan parmesan.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Mushrooms: Add earthy richness.
Zucchini or Broccoli: Bulk up the nutrition.
Roasted Red Peppers: For a smoky-sweet flavor.

Pasta Swaps

Gluten-Free Pasta: Use lentil or rice-based pasta.
Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
Penne, Fettuccine, Bucatini: All work beautifully.

6. Expert Cooking Tips

Don’t skip the pasta water: It binds sauce to pasta through starch.
Use high-quality cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes richer.
Balance is key: Cream + acid (sun-dried tomatoes) + salt = harmony.
Cook spinach last: It wilts quickly and doesn’t need long.
Taste constantly: Adjust seasoning at every stage.

7. What to Serve With This Dish

Sides

Garlic Bread: Crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Lightens the meal and adds zing.
Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, carrots, or bell peppers.

Wine Pairing

White: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Red: Light Pinot Noir or a young Chianti.

8. Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps fresh for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm gently over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

Not recommended. Cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

9. Health & Nutrition Insights

Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving)

Calories: ~475 kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 360mg

Health Highlights

Spinach: High in iron, folate, and antioxidants.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated source of lycopene and vitamin C.
Parmesan: Offers calcium and protein, though also high in sodium.

To Make It Healthier

Use whole wheat pasta
Substitute with low-fat cream or evaporated milk
Use less cheese or a vegan cheese substitute

10. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce separately, then toss with fresh pasta before serving.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and drain well to avoid a watery sauce.

3. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just skip the red pepper flakes.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Just use gluten-free pasta and confirm other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili oil to the sauce.

11. Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy spaghetti loaded with vibrant spinach and rich sun-dried tomatoes. This dish doesn’t just feed the body—it feeds the soul. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing a guest, or treating yourself after a long day, Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce delivers satisfaction with every bite.

It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party and simple enough for a Tuesday night. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and always comforting.

12. Printable Recipe Card

Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Yield: 3–4 servings | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

8 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar)
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
3 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup parmesan, grated
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Reserved pasta water

Instructions:

Boil spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Lower heat; pour in cream, parmesan, and seasoning. Stir until smooth.
Toss pasta into sauce. Adjust with pasta water.
Serve with toppings of choice.