This spaghetti dish is creamy and packed with flavors! With fresh spinach and tasty sun-dried tomatoes, it’s perfect for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s colorful and looks great on your plate!
Honestly, who can resist creamy pasta? I love how quick it comes together! You just cook the spaghetti, toss in spinach, and mix in that luscious sauce. Yum! 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works best for this dish, but you can easily swap it for whole-grain, gluten-free options, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
Fresh Spinach: If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: For a different flavor, you might try using roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative can be used instead. However, the sauce may not be as rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast are great dairy-free alternatives that still provide a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Burning the Garlic?
Cooking garlic just right is essential for great flavor. You want to bring out its fragrance without burning it. Here’s how:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat—don’t rush this step!
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute. Pay close attention, as garlic can go from fragrant to burnt quickly.
- If you notice it browning too fast, lower the heat. You can also add a splash of cream early to cool it down if needed.
These tips will help achieve that perfect creamy sauce without any unpleasant flavors. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spaghetti dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the spaghetti and making the sauce, followed by a quick mixing step. Perfect for any busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a good amount of salt to the water, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you can smell its lovely aroma. Make sure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Add Sun-dried Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Cook them for another 2 minutes; this will help them soften and infuse their flavor into the oil.
4. Make It Creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it well to mix with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Incorporate Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir it in and watch as it wilts down, getting soft and tender. This adds a lovely touch of color and nutrition!
6. Mix with Pasta:
Next, add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss it well in the sauce until every strand is coated. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your preferred creaminess.
7. Add Cheese:
Time for the cheese! Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and nicely combined into the sauce. Taste your pasta and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve:
Finally, dish out the pasta onto plates. If you like, sprinkle some extra parmesan on top and add fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different pasta types may require different cooking durations.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickness. Simply mix the cornstarch with a bit of the milk to create a slurry before adding it to the skillet. Alternatively, a combination of Greek yogurt and milk can add creaminess without losing too much flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short increments and stir occasionally, or warm it on the stove over low heat. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or a bit more olive oil to loosen it up.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Of course! Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Simply add your protein of choice when you incorporate the spinach, allowing it to heat through with the sauce.
