Spaghetti with Spinach an Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

This creamy, comforting Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a restaurant-quality pasta dish you can make in just 25 minutes. Al dente spaghetti is tossed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce loaded with fresh spinach and sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make vegan — perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep. A beautiful balance of creamy, savory, and bright flavors that even non-vegans will love!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (regular or gluten-free)

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For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
• 5–6 oz (about 5 cups) fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream OR full-fat coconut milk (for vegan version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese OR 3–4 tbsp nutritional yeast (vegan)
• ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• More black pepper or chili flakes
• Toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Wilt the spinach: Add fresh spinach in batches and cook until just wilted (2–3 minutes).
5. Create the cream sauce: Pour in the cream (or coconut milk). Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Combine: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until you reach a silky, creamy consistency.
7. Serve immediately: Plate and finish with extra black pepper, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Serving – vegan version with coconut milk)

• Calories: 420–460 kcal
• Protein: 12–14g
• Total Fat: 16–20g (healthy fats)
• Carbohydrates: 58–62g
• Dietary Fiber: 6–8g
• Key micronutrients: High in Vitamin K, Vitamin A, iron, folate, and antioxidants from spinach and tomatoes.

Note: Using heavy cream and Parmesan adds about 50–70 extra calories per serving. Values are estimates.

Health Benefits

• Nutrient-Dense: Spinach delivers iron, Vitamin K, and folate for energy and bone health.
• Antioxidant Power: Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which supports heart health and fights inflammation.
• Satisfying & Balanced: The combination of carbs, healthy fats, and greens keeps you full without heaviness.
• Vegan & Weight-Loss Friendly: The coconut milk version is fully plant-based and still feels indulgent while being lighter than traditional cream sauces.
• Gut-Friendly: High fiber from spinach and whole-grain pasta options supports digestion.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Vegan: Use coconut milk + nutritional yeast — it’s incredibly creamy!
• Lower Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Protein Boost: Add white beans, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
• Storage: Best fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or plant milk.
• Oil-Free Option: Sauté in a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
• Great alongside grilled tofu, chicken, or salmon.
• Perfect for meal prep — portion into containers for quick lunches.

This Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is creamy comfort food that’s secretly good for you! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is super easy.