Description
A delicious and creamy Italian-American pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes. This flavorful, vegetarian meal comes together quickly on the stovetop and is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce cook and thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes, incorporating it fully into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Simmer for another minute to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve the pasta warm for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to increase protein content and make it a more substantial meal.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
