Description
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This quick and delicious pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Using the flavorful oil from sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich cream sauce, and the residual heat from the pasta gently wilts the spinach, adding a healthy boost to your meal. Whole-wheat spaghetti adds a dose of fiber and nutrients, but feel free to mix with regular spaghetti if you’re easing into the flavor. It’s a versatile recipe with a creamy, tangy taste that’s sure to become a family favorite!
5 oz baby spinach
8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tbsp oil
½ cup onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground pepper
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Directions:
1. Cook pasta, drain over spinach.
2. Sauté onion, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spices.
3. Add broth, reduce, stir in sour cream, Parmesan, butter.
4. Combine with pasta and spinach.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 380
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of whole-wheat spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, place 5 oz of baby spinach in a colander in the sink. Drain the hot pasta directly over the spinach to wilt it. Set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup of sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground pepper. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by about half, which should take 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
4. Stir in ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the drained pasta and wilted spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a side of crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta, wilting spinach with the draining water. Sauté aromatics and sun-dried tomatoes in their oil. Create the sauce by reducing broth, then stirring in sour cream, Parmesan, and butter. Toss everything together for a quick, creamy, and nutritious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream? Yes, but the tangy flavor will be milder. Use ½ cup of heavy cream and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to mimic the acidity.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free alternative? Absolutely. Substitute sour cream with cashew cream or a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I add protein to this dish? Easily. Sauté diced chicken or Italian sausage with the onions. For a plant-based option, stir in rinsed canned chickpeas or lentils with the sauce.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it? Simply add a little more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Add it with the sun-dried tomatoes for just the last minute of sautéing to prevent a bitter taste.
- Breaking the Sauce: Always reduce the heat to low before adding the sour cream to prevent it from curdling.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. It’s the perfect tool to adjust sauce consistency at the end.
- Using Dried Herbs Too Early: If adding dried herbs like oregano, add them with the garlic to bloom their flavor without burning.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacular meal. It masterfully combines convenience, nutrition, and deep flavor in one pan. The tangy, creamy sauce clings perfectly to the whole-wheat pasta, while the spinach adds a vibrant, healthy element. It’s a reliably delicious recipe that you can customize endlessly, making it a true weeknight champion for your cooking repertoire.