Creamy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Catch a whiff of this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce and your taste buds will start doing the cha-cha! Imagine twirling pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce that’s bursting with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s like a cozy hug from your favorite grandma, but way more delicious and without any awkward family stories.Now, picture a busy weekday evening when you just want to whip up something quick yet impressive. This dish is your go-to! It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. The flavors dance together in harmonious bliss, promising an extraordinary culinary experience that’ll have you coming back for seconds—if not thirds!

Ingredients for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Spaghetti: Choose your favorite type of spaghetti; whole wheat or gluten-free work well, too.

For more inspiration, check out this Vegetarian Chili Recipe recipe.

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for tender baby spinach for a mild flavor and vibrant color.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: This will create the luscious creaminess of the sauce—be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic touch that elevates the whole dish.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level while adding depth. chipotle chicken salad.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors while sautéing vegetables.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor—because who doesn’t love cheese?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Just be careful not to burn it; we’re looking for golden-brown perfection here!

Step 3: Introduce Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet. Stir them around for another minute or two until they soften slightly and release their glorious aroma—this is where the magic starts happening!

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and mix in cream cheese along with chicken broth. Stir until everything melts together into creamy bliss. If it looks too thick, slowly add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Mix in Spinach

Toss in fresh spinach and stir until wilted, which should take about two minutes. Don’t be alarmed if it looks like there’s too much spinach; it shrinks faster than my motivation on Monday morning!

Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together so every strand is coated in that luscious cream sauce. Finish off by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce while basking in compliments from family or friends—or just reveling in your own culinary prowess!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic until fragrant. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the sautéed mixture and spinach for an easy one-pan dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite greens like kale or arugula instead of spinach. Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of vegetable broth to restore creaminess without drying out.

For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin recipe.

Sometimes I make this dish for friends, and they can’t believe how simple yet delicious it is! Their compliments make me feel like a culinary rockstar in my own kitchen.

FAQs:

What is the best way to store leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

To store leftover Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if necessary to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating in a microwave as it may dry out the sauce.

Can I make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti. There are many brands available that offer delicious alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. The sun-dried tomato cream sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without any worries while adhering to your dietary preferences.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?

To elevate the flavor of your Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, consider adding sautéed garlic and onion for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you prefer some heat. You can even stir in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully in Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. Simply wash and chop the fresh spinach before adding it to your sauce. Cook until wilted, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. This option will provide a vibrant color and texture that complements the dish beautifully.

Conclusion for Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

In summary, Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. By using alternatives like chicken broth and plant-based gelling agents, this recipe ensures everyone can enjoy it without compromising on taste or texture. creamy garlic sauce recipe Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this creamy sauce paired with pasta and spinach is sure to please your palate while being easy to prepare. Enjoy your culinary creation!