Description
Indulge in a savory dish of Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Discover a flavorful pasta recipe with a creamy twist today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) dried spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, preferably extra virgin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 6 cups (180g) fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt – the water should taste salty like seawater. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve at least 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starch helps the sauce cling to every strand.
- Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Immediately add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil.
- Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. If you have it, add 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Add Spinach and Pasta Add the fresh spinach to the sauce in batches, stirring until each addition wilts before adding more. Once all spinach is incorporated, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together, ensuring each strand of spaghetti is coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Season and Serve Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes are already salty, so adjust accordingly. Serve your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and the fresh chopped basil. The contrast between the creamy sauce, vibrant spinach, and bright basil makes for an irresistible presentation.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg