Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups fresh spinach; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

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There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta—especially when it comes together in under 20 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian café. Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is one of those magical recipes that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple, rich yet balanced, and elegant without being complicated.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or those moments when you want real comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce is infused with the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, mellow garlic, and just enough cream to coat every strand of spaghetti. Fresh spinach melts right into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness beautifully.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or someone you’re trying to impress (without breaking a sweat), this recipe delivers every time.

Why This Pasta Recipe Works

What makes this spaghetti recipe special isn’t just the speed—it’s the layered flavor built from a handful of pantry staples. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a bold, tangy depth that tastes slow-cooked, even though the sauce comes together in minutes. Spinach adds freshness and color, while cream and Parmesan transform everything into a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can keep it vegetarian, add protein, adjust the spice level, or swap the pasta shape depending on what’s in your pantry. That versatility is exactly why this dish has become a repeat favorite in so many kitchens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
Heavy cream
Fresh spinach leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Simple ingredients, big payoff.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat slightly and let the sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes.
Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish with grated Parmesan and toss again until silky and well combined.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

Ready in 20 Minutes—Perfect for Real Life

This recipe was designed for real schedules and real hunger. From boiling the pasta to plating the final dish, everything happens quickly and efficiently. There’s no need for long simmering, complicated prep, or fancy equipment—just one pot, one pan, and a big appetite.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Add Protein:
Grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy pancetta, or even white beans work beautifully here.

Make It Vegan:
Swap heavy cream for cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Extra Veggies:
Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini ribbons add even more texture and flavor.

Spicy Kick:
Increase red pepper flakes or add a spoon of chili crisp for a modern twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It pairs especially well with simple sides that won’t compete with the creamy sauce. For drinks, sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine complements the richness beautifully.

A Little Cultural Context

Sun-dried tomatoes originated as a preservation method in Southern Italy, where tomatoes were dried under the Mediterranean sun to intensify flavor and extend shelf life. Today, they’re beloved worldwide for their bold, umami-rich taste—and they shine in creamy sauces like this one.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce proves that fast food can still be soulful, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s genuinely delicious.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation.