If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is for you! It’s a simple dish packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. In just a few steps, you’ll have a warm, creamy pasta that’s perfect for any day. Join me as we dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Let’s get ready to make a tasty meal! You will need these simple ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each of these items plays a key role in this dish. The spaghetti serves as a great base. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Parmesan cheese gives it a nice salty kick. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Olive oil helps sauté the spinach. Dried basil adds a hint of earthiness. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
Remember, quality matters! Choose good-quality tomatoes and fresh spinach for the best taste. You can find the full recipe to guide your cooking. Enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Spaghetti
To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring this water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain the spaghetti. Set the drained spaghetti aside for later.
Sautéing Garlic and Spinach
In the same pot, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it on medium. Once hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until you smell its aroma. Next, toss in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green.
Preparing the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Now it’s time to make the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil for flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes so it thickens a bit. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti back into the pot. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce until each strand is well coated. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and the dish becomes creamy. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper to adjust the flavor.
Serving and Garnishing
To serve, divide the spaghetti onto plates. For a beautiful touch, garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle extra parmesan on top. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce! For the complete recipe, refer to the section above.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Herbs
To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds bright notes. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it over the dish before serving. You can also try parsley or oregano. These herbs can bring more life to the creamy sauce.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
Sometimes, the sauce may feel too thick. If this happens, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps loosen the sauce without losing flavor. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. This will help it thicken up nicely.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Spaghetti works well, but you can get creative. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. These options add different textures and flavors. Just make sure to cook according to package instructions. This keeps your pasta at the perfect al dente stage.
For the full recipe, check out Spaghetti Bliss with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
Variations
Adding Protein Options
You can easily boost this dish with protein. Add grilled chicken for a hearty meal. Shrimp also works well, adding a nice seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or white beans. These add great texture and flavor. Just toss them in when you mix the pasta with the sauce. Each choice brings a different taste to your plate.
Making it Dairy-Free
Want to make this dish dairy-free? You can swap heavy cream with coconut milk. It gives a creamy texture while adding a hint of sweetness. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy taste without the dairy. Always check labels to ensure products fit your diet. Enjoy this creamy delight without dairy!
Incorporating Different Vegetables
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Zucchini or bell peppers add color and crunch. Carrots can provide a slight sweetness, while mushrooms add umami. Just sauté your chosen vegetables with the garlic before adding the cream. This adds more nutrients and flavors to your dish. Create your own version of this spaghetti delight!
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your spaghetti and spinach with sun-dried tomato cream sauce fresh, cool it down first. Place it in an airtight container. This dish stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any odors.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use a pan or microwave. If using a pan, add a splash of water or cream. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Stir gently over low heat until warm. If microwaving, cover the dish to prevent splatter. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warmth.
Freezing the Dish
You can freeze this dish for later. First, let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to two months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating tips above. For the best taste, enjoy it fresh, but freezing works well if needed. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may differ. Ensure the pasta is cooked until al dente for the best texture.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options will change the flavor slightly but still work well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Prepare it in advance and store portions in the fridge. Just reheat in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
How to make Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce more nutritious?
To boost nutrition, add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also mix in cooked chicken or beans for protein. Using whole grain pasta adds fiber, making the meal more filling and healthy. For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Full Recipe
Overview of Spaghetti Bliss with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This dish is rich and creamy. It features spaghetti, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh spinach gives a nice green touch and a health boost. This meal brings joy in every bite. You can make it quick, too! In just 25 minutes, you can have a lovely dinner ready. The sauce is smooth, and the cheese makes it even better. If you love pasta, this dish will become a favorite.
Additional Notes on Serving Size and Preparation Time
This recipe serves four people. You can adjust the number of servings by changing the amount of pasta and sauce. The prep time is just 10 minutes. Cooking takes about 15 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal. You can set the table and get everyone ready while the pasta cooks. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something tasty but quick.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 400 calories. You get protein from the cheese and carbs from the pasta. The spinach adds vitamins like A and C. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants. This meal gives you energy and is satisfying. If you want to make it lighter, consider using less cream or adding more veggies. For the full recipe, you can find all the steps and details to make this delightful dish.
This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, handy tips, variations, and storage advice. Cooking can be fun and easy, especially with this simple dish.
Try out the recipe for a quick meal filled with flavor. You can adapt it to suit your taste. Enjoying your time in the kitchen can lead to great meals and happy moments.
