🍝 Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Description

Creamy, garlicky, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor, this Creamy Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is an easy comfort-food dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes. Tender pasta is tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce with wilted spinach, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of garlic. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal! 🌿🍅

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
4. Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning, Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately. 🍝✨

📝 Notes

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed tomatoes provide extra flavor and can be used straight from the jar after draining.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work beautifully.
• For a lighter sauce, replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.

💡 Tips

• Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively, as it can become too thick or separate.
• Save some pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce and helps everything come together.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a lovely brightness.
• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

🍽️ Servings

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

📊 Approximate Nutritional Information

Per serving, without optional toppings:

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: ~18 g
• Carbohydrates: ~66 g
• Fat: ~32 g
• Fiber: ~4 g
• Sugar: ~7 g
• Sodium: ~450 mg

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities used.

❤️ Benefits

• Spinach provides fiber, folate, vitamin K, and other micronutrients.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add flavor along with antioxidants such as lycopene.
• Parmesan and cream provide protein, calcium, and richness.
• Adding vegetables to pasta makes it a more colorful and satisfying meal.
• Olive oil contributes unsaturated fats.

❓ Q&A

Can I add chicken?
Absolutely! Sliced grilled or pan-seared chicken makes this a delicious high-protein meal.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamy result, you can use half-and-half instead.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. The recipe is vegetarian as written; just check that your Parmesan is suitable for your dietary preference.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder for a little kick. 🌶️