Introduction
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a luscious, flavor-packed pasta dish that balances the richness of a creamy sauce with the freshness of spinach and the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes. This dish combines hearty whole-wheat spaghetti with a velvety sauce made from sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and savory vegetable or chicken broth. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor that is both sweet and tangy, while the wilted spinach provides a healthy boost of nutrients. It’s an easy-to-make meal that delivers gourmet flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The addition of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a slight kick of heat, making it even more irresistible. By tossing the hot spaghetti over fresh spinach, the spinach wilts perfectly without the need for extra cooking, retaining its vibrant color and nutrients. This recipe not only tastes amazing, but it’s also a wholesome choice, with plenty of vegetables and lean ingredients to keep it balanced.
Let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti (or your preferred type of pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve some oil from the jar)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
- Place 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves in a large colander and set it in the sink. This step will allow the hot pasta to be drained directly over the spinach, wilting it perfectly without the need for additional cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces of whole-wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it over the spinach in the colander. The hot pasta water will instantly wilt the spinach, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients. Set the spinach and pasta aside.
Step 3: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat. This oil is packed with flavor from the tomatoes, adding richness to the dish.
- Add the chopped red onion and 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes, until the onion softens and the tomatoes are fragrant.
- Stir in the 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Add Broth and Creamy Ingredients
- Increase the heat to medium-high and pour 1 cup of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet. Let the broth simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 2 minutes. This reduction concentrates the flavors and helps thicken the sauce.
- Once the liquid has reduced, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir the mixture continuously until the butter and cheese melt, and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs or a pasta fork to gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, garnishing each plate with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. For added freshness, you can finish the dish with a drizzle of lemon juice or some chopped fresh herbs, like basil or parsley.
Cooking Note:
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Don’t skip using the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s infused with the flavors of the tomatoes and brings extra depth to the dish. If you don’t have enough oil from the jar, you can add a little extra olive oil to the sauce.
- Spaghetti Cooking: Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente. It should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the warm sauce.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce simmer for a little longer, or add more Parmesan cheese. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of extra broth.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Garlic Bread: Serve this creamy spaghetti with a side of warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping into the sauce.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing accompaniment to this rich pasta dish.
- Protein Addition: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish for extra protein and texture.
Tips:
- Pasta Substitutes: You can substitute whole-wheat spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or any other pasta of your choice, such as fettuccine or penne.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli for a more veggie-packed meal.
- Lighter Option: To make the dish lighter, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or use light cream instead of heavy cream.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 12 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
Conclusion
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is an incredibly satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients. The tangy, slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes balance out the richness of the creamy sauce, while the fresh spinach adds a healthy boost of greens. The whole-wheat spaghetti makes the meal more filling and wholesome, but the sauce can easily pair with any pasta you prefer.
This recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve for guests. The flavors meld together beautifully in a creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The subtle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth without overpowering the dish.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce will quickly become a go-to recipe for delicious, comforting, and nourishing pasta. Enjoy