Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and sliced); 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those meals I love turning to when I want something rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—without a lot of fuss. Tender pasta is tossed with a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach. It’s comforting, elegant, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this pasta comes together and how flavorful it is with just a few ingredients. The sun-dried tomatoes give the cream sauce a deep, tangy richness that’s balanced perfectly by the fresh spinach and Parmesan. It’s a restaurant-style dish I can make at home with pantry staples and a single pan.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and sliced)
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. I reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
I add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting them soften and release their flavor.
I stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt, stirring frequently—this takes about 2 minutes.
I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it begins to thicken slightly, I stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
I add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
I serve it hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a twist of black pepper if I want more flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a complete protein-packed meal. For a vegetarian protein boost, I’ve stirred in canned white beans or crispy tofu. I’ve also swapped the spaghetti for fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta when needed. If I want a lighter version, I replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often so the sauce stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

Yes, I rehydrate them in hot water for 10–15 minutes before slicing. They won’t be quite as rich, but still add great flavor.

Will the cream curdle if I reheat the dish?

Not if I reheat it gently. I keep the heat low and stir often, adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or full-fat coconut milk work well. The sauce may be slightly thinner, but still tasty.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely. I’ve added cooked chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage for a heartier version.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce still turns out creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a flavorful, comforting pasta dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. I love how it comes together with minimal ingredients but delivers big, bold flavor in every bite. Whether I serve it on its own or add protein, it’s a go-to meal that always satisfies.