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This creamy spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. The rich and tangy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making each bite comforting and flavorful.
I remember making this on a busy evening when I had little time but wanted something satisfying. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it is often requested as a comfort dinner.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: twelve ounces for a classic pasta base choose good quality durum wheat pasta for better texture
- Olive oil: two tablespoons to sauté garlic and infuse richness into the sauce extra virgin adds fruitiness
- Garlic: three cloves minced to bring warmth and aromatic depth
- Sun-dried tomatoes: half a cup chopped to add tangy sweetness and concentrated tomato flavor opt for tomatoes packed in oil for richer taste
- Heavy cream: one and one quarter cups to create a luscious and smooth sauce
- Parmesan cheese: half a cup grated for a salty nutty finish fresh grated parmesan always tastes best
- Fresh spinach: four cups to add color, vitamins, and a light fresh contrast in the dish
- Salt: to taste to enhance all the flavors
- Black pepper: to taste for a gentle spicy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Cook the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil over medium heat for about four to five minutes until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften. This step unlocks the flavors for your sauce.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions, usually about eight to ten minutes. Drain the pasta but reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce thickness.
- Create the Cream Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan into the skillet with garlic and tomatoes. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for two to three minutes until just wilted. This keeps the spinach tender and bright green while blending it into the sauce.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the sauce coats every strand of spaghetti. If necessary, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
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I love how the sun-dried tomatoes create an unexpected burst of flavor that lifts the entire dish. Once, I served this at a small gathering and everyone kept asking for the recipe.
Storage tips
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop adding a little cream or water to bring back the creamy consistency. The spinach may wilt further but the flavors stay delicious.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap heavy cream for half and half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a lighter or vegan version. Use kale or swiss chard instead of spinach if you want a sturdier green. Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese works well as a substitute for parmesan.
Serving suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for added texture.
Cultural context
This dish draws inspiration from Italian comfort food combining simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. Pasta with tomato and cheese sauces is a centuries-old tradition in Italy, with local variations depending on the region’s produce and cheeses.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a little reserved pasta water gradually while stirring until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- → Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried ones?
Fresh tomatoes can be used but will yield a lighter, less intense flavor compared to concentrated sun-dried tomatoes.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine helps the creamy sauce coat the strands evenly.
- → How should spinach be added for best texture?
Wilt fresh spinach briefly in the warm sauce, which softens it while preserving its vibrant color.
- → Is parmesan essential for the sauce?
Parmesan adds a nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce; a similar hard cheese can be substituted if needed.