Name: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 3 cups fresh spinach; 0.25 cup pasta water (reserved)

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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. This creamy spinach pasta combines tender spaghetti, vibrant green spinach, and rich sun-dried tomatoes in a velvety garlic cream sauce that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner pasta.

If you’re searching for an easy vegetarian pasta recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, this dish is exactly what you need. The sun-dried tomatoes add deep, concentrated sweetness, while fresh spinach brings color, freshness, and nutritional value. Together, they create a satisfying meal that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish checks all the boxes for a reliable dinner option:

Creamy, rich sauce without being heavy
Perfect meatless meal
Quick enough for busy weeknights
Balanced with vegetables and comforting pasta
Easily customizable

The beauty of sun-dried tomato pasta lies in its depth of flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes are intensely sweet and slightly tangy, which contrasts beautifully with creamy sauce and fresh greens.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen and create a silky texture.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

The Secret to a Perfect Creamy Spinach Pasta

Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Oil-packed tomatoes are softer and more flavorful than dry ones. They blend seamlessly into the cream sauce and add richness.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

Reserved pasta water contains starch, which helps emulsify the sauce and coat the spaghetti evenly.

Cook Pasta Al Dente

Slightly firm pasta prevents overcooking once combined with the sauce.

Variations

Add Protein

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu can transform this vegetarian pasta into a protein-packed meal.

Make It Lighter

Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.

Add Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic for an earthy flavor boost.

Spice It Up

Increase red pepper flakes for more heat.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables
Sparkling water with lemon

For entertaining, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent sauce separation.

Nutritional Highlights

This creamy spinach pasta provides:

Calcium from Parmesan
Iron from spinach
Energy from complex carbohydrates
Healthy fats from olive oil

Why This Is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner Pasta

Busy schedules demand meals that are both efficient and satisfying. This easy vegetarian pasta recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses simple pantry ingredients. The combination of creamy texture and bold sun-dried tomato flavor makes it feel gourmet without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, spaghetti with sun-dried tomato cream sauce is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.