Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
There’s something timeless about a bowl of pasta bathed in creamy, sun-kissed sauce — comforting, indulgent, and full of heart.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce captures the essence of Italian simplicity: rich flavors built from humble ingredients, brought to life with care and balance.
Each bite offers a symphony of contrasts — the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the gentle bite of garlic, the silkiness of cream, and the freshness of spinach all entwined around tender strands of spaghetti. It’s a dish that feels both cozy and elegant — one that speaks of warmth, slow evenings, and the quiet pleasure of good food shared in good company.
Why People Will Love Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:
A Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the subtle sharpness of Parmesan come together in a sauce that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Simple Yet Sophisticated: Made with everyday ingredients, yet it tastes like something served at a cozy Italian trattoria — proof that elegance can be effortless.
Comfort with Freshness: The creamy sauce wraps around the pasta like a warm embrace, while the spinach adds a bright, earthy lift that keeps the dish light and alive.
A Feast for the Senses: The aroma of garlic and onions mingling in olive oil, the vibrant colors of tomato and spinach, and the velvety texture of the sauce create a truly sensory experience.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests — it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone stop for a moment and savor.
A Taste of Warmth and Simplicity: It’s food that feels human — honest, comforting, and quietly beautiful, reminding us that joy often comes from the simplest things.
Key Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The heart of the dish — concentrated bursts of sweetness and tang that bring warmth, color, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
Fresh Spinach: Gentle and vibrant, it softens into the sauce, adding freshness and balance to the creamy richness.
Garlic and Onion: The quiet foundation of flavor — aromatic, golden, and deeply comforting, they set the stage for everything that follows.
Heavy Cream: The soul of indulgence — smooth, velvety, and rich enough to coat each strand of pasta in luxurious softness.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfectly aged, it melts into the sauce, deepening the flavor and creating a silky finish.
Olive Oil: Liquid gold that ties the ingredients together — warm, fragrant, and essential to the spirit of Italian simplicity.
Spaghetti: The classic canvas — tender, golden strands that catch every drop of sauce and turn simplicity into satisfaction.
Expert Tips:
Respect the Pace of the Pan:
Let the onions and garlic cook slowly — not rushed. This gentle patience allows them to release their natural sweetness and perfume the oil with a deep, comforting aroma that forms the base of the entire dish.
Use the Right Kind of Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Choose tomatoes packed in olive oil rather than dry-packed ones. Their texture is softer, their flavor rounder, and their infused oil adds subtle depth when cooked into the sauce.
Control the Cream’s Heat:
When you add the cream, reduce the heat to low. Let it warm and thicken gently — boiling cream can cause separation, while slow simmering keeps it silky and smooth.
Season in Layers, Not All at Once:
Add a little salt when cooking the aromatics, another touch after adding the sauce, and a final sprinkle just before serving. Layered seasoning builds dimension rather than sharpness.
Let the Cheese Melt Naturally:
Don’t rush the Parmesan. Stir it in off the heat, letting it melt slowly into the cream. This keeps the sauce velvety, preventing graininess and preserving its luxurious texture.
Use Pasta Water Wisely:
That starchy, salty liquid is gold — a splash helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti, turning it from creamy to truly cohesive. Add it gradually until the texture feels just right.
Toss, Don’t Drown:
The goal is balance — the sauce should coat the pasta, not smother it. Toss until every strand glistens lightly in the sauce, like silk catching the light.
Finish with Freshness:
The final touch of basil isn’t decoration — it’s the breath of life in this dish. Add it right before serving so its fragrance blooms with the warmth of the pasta.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups fresh spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain well, then set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.
4. Add the Spinach and Pasta
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until every strand is coated in the luscious sauce.
5. Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve warm for a simple yet elegant meal.
Important Notes Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Balance Is Everything:
This dish lives between richness and freshness. Don’t let the cream overpower the tomatoes or spinach — every ingredient should have its moment, like instruments in harmony.
Choose Your Tomatoes Wisely:
If using sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil, soak them in warm water or olive oil for 10–15 minutes before cooking. It revives their sweetness and prevents toughness in the sauce.
Mind the Heat:
Cream sauces demand gentle heat. Simmer, never boil — boiling breaks the emulsion, while a soft simmer keeps the sauce silky and stable.
Reserve the Pasta Water:
That starchy water is your secret weapon. Use it to loosen the sauce until it perfectly clings to each strand — creamy, glossy, and weightless.
Salt with Awareness:
Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes already bring saltiness. Taste before adding more salt — it’s better to finish with a pinch than to lose the delicate balance of flavors.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese:
Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese integrates seamlessly into the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture and a clean, nutty finish.
Cook the Spinach Lightly:
Spinach should wilt, not vanish. Add it just before tossing with pasta to keep its vibrant color and subtle freshness alive.
Eat It While It Lives:
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, when the sauce still glistens and the flavors breathe warmth. With time, the sauce thickens — beautiful in its own way, but less alive than the moment it’s made.
How to Enjoy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce After Cooking
Let the Moment Settle:
Once the pasta is tossed in the creamy sauce, let it rest for a minute in the warm skillet. This short pause allows the sauce to cling more fully to the spaghetti — each strand becoming glossy and infused with flavor.
Serve It Warm, Not Hot:
Cream-based sauces are most expressive when gently warm. At this temperature, the aromas of garlic, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes rise softly, allowing you to taste every nuance without overwhelming your palate.
Twirl, Don’t Stir:
When serving, twirl the pasta onto the plate rather than scooping it. This helps preserve the elegant coating of sauce and gives each bite the perfect balance of cream, tomato, and spinach.
Enjoy the Layers:
Notice the contrast — the silkiness of the cream, the chew of the pasta, the tender spinach, and the bursts of sweet, tangy tomato. Let your senses linger between these layers rather than rushing from one bite to the next.
Finish with Life:
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few shavings of Parmesan just before eating. The fresh herbs awaken the cream’s richness, while the cheese adds warmth and depth — a perfect closing note to the dish.
Pair It Thoughtfully:
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling lemon water, cuts through the cream and refreshes the palate beautifully. Serve with a simple green salad or warm bread to complete the meal.
Savor the Stillness:
Eat slowly, with intention. This is food that invites presence — where flavor meets feeling. Taste the sun in the tomatoes, the earth in the spinach, and the warmth in the cream. Let the quiet elegance of this dish remind you that comfort and beauty often live in simplicity.
Nutrition Information
For your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (per serving, about 1½ cups, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 520 kcal | Total Fat: 26.4 g | Saturated Fat: 12.1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.1 g | Cholesterol: 55 mg | Sodium: 480–650 mg (depending on salt and cheese) | Total Carbohydrates: 50 g | Dietary Fiber: 3.8 g | Sugars: 5.2 g | Protein: 18.6 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance — simply reheat it gently over low heat before adding the pasta. If it thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water. For the best texture, cook and toss the pasta just before serving so it stays glossy and fresh.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Tomatoes packed in olive oil are ideal — they’re softer, richer, and infuse the sauce with subtle depth. If using dry-packed ones, soak them in warm water or olive oil for 10–15 minutes before chopping to restore their natural sweetness and tenderness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly or lighter?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can lighten it by using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, or by cutting the Parmesan in half and adding a touch of lemon juice for brightness. The flavor remains rich but feels lighter on the palate.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely. This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared scallops. Keep the seasoning simple so the delicate flavor of the sun-dried tomato cream remains the star of the dish.
How do I store and reheat leftovers without drying the sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to restore the silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power — the sauce can separate or become oily.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling or separating?
Keep the heat low to medium once you add the cream. High heat causes dairy to break, creating a grainy or oily texture. Stir gently and let the sauce thicken slowly — patience rewards you with a smooth, velvety consistency.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese for the best texture?
Add the cheese after the cream has slightly thickened and just before adding the spinach. Stir off the heat or on the lowest flame to ensure it melts evenly. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents clumping or graininess.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking before tossing it in the sauce?
Once the spaghetti is drained, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water. This prevents sticking and helps the sauce cling beautifully when combined.
What if my sauce becomes too thick?
Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Add it gradually, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta lightly and flows like silk. The starch from the pasta water binds everything together naturally.
How do I keep the spinach vibrant and not overcooked?
Add the spinach just at the end, after the sauce is ready. Let it wilt gently in the residual heat — it should stay bright green and tender, not limp. This gives the dish a fresh, lively touch that balances the creamy sauce.