Creamy, savory, and rich with flavor, Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a dish that instantly comforts. It brings together silky pasta, a luscious cream sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Every twirl of this spaghetti offers a burst of Mediterranean flavor with hints of garlic and parmesan in every bite.

What makes this pasta truly special is how effortlessly it blends indulgent and wholesome. While the sauce is decadently creamy, the fresh greens and vibrant tomatoes bring brightness and depth. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pot pasta is a guaranteed win.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Spaghetti is the classic choice here, but feel free to experiment. Linguine and fettuccine work just as well, hugging the cream sauce in each ribbon. If you’re gluten-free, swap with your favorite alternative pasta. For extra protein, chickpea or lentil pasta brings heartiness without compromising flavor.

Ingredients for the Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti: The star of the dish, acting as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream: Provides the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this sauce irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that deepens the flavor of the sauce.

Garlic: A foundational aromatic that brings warmth and savory depth.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy, they add chew and a pop of umami to balance the creaminess.

Fresh Spinach: Offers freshness and color, wilting perfectly into the warm sauce.

Butter: Used to start the sauce and infuse it with richness.

Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and tomatoes, enhancing their flavor.

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the whole dish together.

How To Make the Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. This should take just a minute or two. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to let the flavors meld together. Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper if desired.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Serve this spaghetti hot, straight from the pan. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a more rounded meal. A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can beautifully offset the creamy richness.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess as it warms on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamier alternative without heavy cream, try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese.

How do I make it vegetarian?

This dish is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure your Parmesan is made without animal rennet.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make excellent additions.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or finish with a drizzle of chili oil for heat.

Will frozen spinach work?

It can in a pinch. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce to avoid watering it down.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy spaghetti dish, here are more flavorful pasta recipes you’ll enjoy:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a bold one-pan dinner.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce packed with meaty goodness.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli when you want something lighter but still creamy.
Red Pepper Rigatoni: A Creamy Bold Pasta Delight for that sweet-heat balance.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you need dinner done fast with major flavor.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when creamy pasta cravings hit.

And tell me how yours turned out in the comments. Did you stick with spinach or try kale? Add chicken or keep it simple?

I’d love to hear your twist on this dish. Questions are welcome too—let’s make dinner better together.

Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A velvety, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in one pan with rich cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy and delicious without a fuss.

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook until softened, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti and combine. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner