Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce: A Creamy, Healthy Pasta Delight

Pasta is one of the most beloved comfort foods worldwide versatile, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable. But when you’re aiming for a dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with vibrant flavor, simple pasta with sauce just doesn’t cut it. That’s where this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce shines. It takes whole-wheat spaghetti and dresses it in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with the deep, tangy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

This recipe balances indulgence with nutrition. The whole-wheat spaghetti brings added fiber and a hearty texture, while the spinach provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. The creamy sauce, made with sour cream, broth, and butter, is both smooth and tangy, clinging perfectly to every strand of pasta. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes — packed with umami and slight sweetness adds depth and complexity, making this dish a satisfying yet health-conscious option for any meal.

Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, a meatless Monday meal, or a vibrant vegetarian dish for guests, this pasta recipe fits all occasions. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and tips to make your pasta truly exceptional.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Pasta and Greens

• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti: Choosing whole-wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and adds a wholesome touch to your meal.
• 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped: Spinach wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into creamy sauces. It adds a fresh green color and a mild earthy flavor that balances the richness.

Sauce Components

• ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense, tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that adds savory complexity.
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar: This oil is infused with tomato flavor and adds richness to your sauce.
• ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion: Onions bring natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the sauce a warm, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds just a hint of heat to wake up the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Basic seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and adds a subtle savory note.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that lightens the sauce.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty, umami flavor that rounds out the dish.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Whole-Wheat Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Avoid overcooking as whole-wheat pasta can become mushy quickly. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil carries concentrated tomato flavor, so it’s an excellent base for your sauce.

Add the halved and thinly sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant. Garlic should not brown or burn, as this would create bitterness.

Step 3: Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth

Add the slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow their flavors to meld with the aromatics.

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits, adding extra flavor.

Let the broth reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Add Sour Cream, Parmesan, and Butter

Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to combine, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency. This starch-rich water also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Add the tablespoon of unsalted butter and stir until melted and fully incorporated. The butter adds silkiness and depth.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Season the Sauce

Add the coarsely chopped baby spinach to the skillet and stir gently until the spinach wilts and becomes bright green, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook — the spinach should remain tender with a bit of bite.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and ground pepper as needed. If you prefer more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and gently toss with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce until every strand is evenly coated.

If the sauce thickens too much during mixing, add a splash more reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large serving dish. For an added touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: These have richer flavor and softer texture than dry-packed versions and infuse the sauce with vibrant tomato essence.
• Reserve pasta water: Don’t forget to save some cooking water — it’s a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to pasta.
• Don’t overcook spinach: Add it last and cook just until wilted to preserve its color, texture, and nutrients.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese is key: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can alter the sauce texture; freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes superior.
• Customize heat level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, or omit entirely for a milder dish.
• Try different broth bases: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute sour cream with vegan sour cream or cashew cream, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, and use vegetable broth.

Can I use regular pasta instead of whole-wheat?

Absolutely! Regular semolina pasta or gluten-free varieties work well if you prefer.

How long does this pasta keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Can I add protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu all pair wonderfully if you want to add protein.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The pasta and sauce can be made ahead, stored separately, and combined when ready to eat. Add spinach fresh or sautéed right before serving to maintain texture.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe shines because it combines simple pantry ingredients into a dish that feels both special and wholesome. The whole-wheat spaghetti provides substance and nutrition, while the sun-dried tomato cream sauce offers a rich, tangy flavor that’s far from ordinary. Baby spinach adds freshness and color without overpowering the creamy sauce.

This is a recipe that pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, perfect for those who want to eat a little lighter without sacrificing comfort or flavor.

Conclusion

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. With creamy sauce, tender greens, and nutrient-rich whole-wheat pasta, it’s a delicious choice for any day of the week.

This dish brings restaurant-worthy flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this pasta will delight everyone at the table. Next time you want a quick, wholesome meal with maximum flavor, this recipe should be your go-to.

Print