Description
A creamy and flavorful spaghetti recipe featuring fresh spinach and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This Italian-inspired vegetarian dish combines tender pasta with a savory sauce made from olive oil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach and Season: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve: Mix well and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
