If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that tastes gourmet but comes together in minutes, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a must-try. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a comforting bowl of pasta layered with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a silky cream sauce. The secret? Using the oil from sun-dried tomatoes as the base of the sauce and letting the residual heat of the pasta gently wilt the spinach—fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in 20 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with rich, tangy flavor.
- Nutritious: Whole-wheat pasta, spinach, and antioxidant-rich tomatoes make this a wholesome choice.
- Versatile: Easily adapt with your favorite pasta shapes or vegetarian swaps.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook pasta & wilt spinach
Place spinach in a large colander in the sink. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain the hot pasta over the spinach, tossing to wilt. - Build the sauce
Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute. - Add broth & creaminess
Increase heat to medium-high. Stir in broth and let it reduce by half (about 2 minutes). Lower the heat and stir in sour cream, Parmesan, and butter until smooth. - Combine
Add the pasta and spinach to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. - Serve
Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Change the pasta: Try penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a different texture.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.
- More veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
- Extra flavor boost: Stir in a splash of white wine when reducing the broth.
Nutrition Highlights
Sun-dried tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health. Whole-wheat spaghetti adds fiber and nutrients, while spinach provides folate and essential minerals. Together, this dish is a powerhouse of both flavor and nutrition.
✨ In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.