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You’ll love how this dreamy spaghetti is loaded with spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s foolproof for busy evenings, comes together fast, and feels super cozy. Each forkful is creamy and packed with fresh, bold flavors.
I served this one night and nobody said a word till every noodle was gone. The gang keeps asking for it—it's hands-down their favorite pasta meal now.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Salt and black pepper: The basics for seasoning so everything pops Try using freshly ground pepper and flaky salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Totally optional but gives a bit of spice if you like a kick
- Parmesan cheese: Fine grating means it melts like a dream into your sauce Do yourself a favor and buy a chunk to grate freshly
- Fresh spinach: Brings color plus nutrition Look for lively green leaves, avoid anything mushy
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Super flavorful, almost sweet Choose ones packed in olive oil for richer taste
- Dried spaghetti: Holds up nicely to creamy sauce Go for authentic Italian brands if you can
- Garlic: Bright, lively flavor comes from fresh cloves Pick ones that feel hard and dry-skinned
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth foundation and rich flavor Go extra virgin for that classic zing
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so velvety Pick fresh for extra richness
Easy-Peasy Steps
- Finish and Serve:
- Go ahead and toss in more Parmesan on top Taste your pasta, sprinkle some more salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you want a hot touch Dish up straight to your plates
- Mix Noodles with Sauce:
- Toss the drained spaghetti into your sauce pan Give it a good mix so it all gets covered in sauce
- Steam Up the Sauce:
- Add heavy cream to the pan and turn the heat lower Let it bubble gently Slowly add in the Parmesan, stirring until just smooth as silk
- Pop in Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Dump in your spinach and sun-dried tomatoes Keep stirring and let it cook for two to three minutes 'til the greens are wilted and shiny
- Get the Garlic Going:
- Warm olive oil in a big skillet Toss in your chopped garlic, cook it slowly Only go until it smells fragrant—don't let it get brown or it'll go bitter
- Boil Your Pasta:
- Tip the spaghetti in once the water is heavily salted and bubbling Stir every so often so it doesn't stick Cook till it's al dente—still a little chewy Check the package so you don't overdo it. Drain well and leave aside
- Heat Some Water:
- Fill up a big pot and salt the water generously Crank up the heat and wait till it’s rolling with big bubbles You’ll know it’s time when you hear the bubbling
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The best moment is adding the Parmesan and seeing the sauce get glossy The kids think the spinach looks like tiny trees and beg for extra—it always cracks me up
Keeping It Fresh
Toss any leftovers in a covered bowl in your fridge for up to three days. If you’re warming them up, add a splash of milk or cream to get the sauce silky again. Don’t bother freezing—it might turn grainy.
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Swap Outs
Fettuccine or linguine work just as well if you’re low on spaghetti Want a sweeter twist? Try roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes Got heavy cream? You can use half and half, but your sauce will be a bit thinner
How to Serve
This dish is awesome with zingy arugula salad and lemon, or cozy garlic bread. Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a protein punch.
Backstory
Creamy pasta like this comes from the mashup of Italian ideas and classic comfort food from the US Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach together give that bright Mediterranean feel for chill weeknights
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen spinach okay to use instead of fresh?
You can go with thawed, well-drained frozen spinach, but fresh keeps things more colorful and fresh-tasting.
- → Which sun-dried tomatoes should I pick?
Go for the kind packed in oil—they're softer and richer. If all you have is dried, soak them in hot water first to soften them up.
- → Can I cut down the richness?
Swap in whole milk or half-and-half to lighten it up. The sauce won't be as decadent, but it'll still be tasty.
- → How do I keep it vegetarian?
No problem—just check your Parmesan is veggie-friendly or pick any cheese alternative you love.
- → What if my sauce gets too thick?
Just splash in a little of your saved pasta water while stirring until it's just how you like it.