This spaghetti dish is a colorful mix of tender spinach and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Whenever I make this, I feel like a kitchen superstar! It’s quick and easy, so perfect for busy nights. Plus, you get to enjoy a plate of comforting goodness without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti is great, but you can switch to whole wheat, gluten-free, or even a spiralized veggie like zucchini for a lighter option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star here, but you could also use kale or Swiss chard. Just remember to cook them a little longer, as they are tougher than spinach.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a rich flavor. If you can’t find them, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes (with a little extra oil) work as substitutes.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, try half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Coconut cream can also work but might change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Make Cream Sauce Without Curdling?
Making a smooth cream sauce is essential, and it can be tricky. Here’s what you need to do:
- Always cook on medium heat. Too high can cause the cream to curdle.
- When adding cream, ensure the skillet isn’t too hot. Lower the heat before pouring.
- Stir consistently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- If the sauce thickens too much, slowly add reserved pasta water to keep it creamy.
These steps will help you create a creamy, delicious sauce every time!
Spaghetti And Spinach With Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 15 minutes getting everything ready, and 10 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of that pasta cooking water before you drain the spaghetti. Set it aside for later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it brown—nobody likes burnt garlic!
3. Add Sun-dried Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into your skillet. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often to combine the flavors nicely.
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Now it’s time for the heavy cream! Pour it into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes so that the sauce thickens just a bit.
5. Mix In Parmesan Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and everything is well combined. If you find that the sauce is too thick for your liking, just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Add Spinach and Season:
Add the fresh spinach to your sauce and let it cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to combine! Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your spaghetti warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Enjoy your wonderful meal—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use Marinara Sauce Instead of Cream?
Yes, you can substitute marinara sauce for the cream if you want a lighter dish! Just simmer it a bit longer to let the flavors meld, and if desired, add a splash of olive oil for richness. However, this will change the flavor profile significantly, moving towards a tomato-based sauce instead of creamy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover spaghetti and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Use Dried Spinach Instead of Fresh?
It’s best to use fresh spinach for this recipe since it wilts nicely and adds a fresh flavor. However, if you only have dried spinach, you can rehydrate it in warm water before adding it to the sauce. Use approximately 1/3 the amount of dried spinach, as it expands when soaked!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try using half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a cashew cream can work well, but keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.
