Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

There’s something magical about a bowl of pasta that wraps you in comfort from the very first bite. This spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce is exactly that kind of dish — silky, indulgent, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors that feel both elegant and homey at the same time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh spinach, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. The creamy sauce clings to each strand of spaghetti, while the sun-dried tomatoes add sweet, tangy pops of flavor and the spinach brings a fresh, earthy balance. It’s the kind of dinner that impresses guests but doesn’t stress you out on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish checks all the boxes. It’s quick enough for weeknight cooking but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. The cream sauce is luxuriously smooth without being heavy, and the sun-dried tomatoes provide depth without overpowering the dish. If you’re a garlic lover, you’ll appreciate how the sautéed garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences, swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, or bulk it up with protein. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get more greens into your meal — the spinach wilts down beautifully and blends right into the creamy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta like linguine or fettuccine)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for maximum flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a gentle kick)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (use oil-packed for the best texture and flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (whole milk can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as rich)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded)
• 4 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works great and wilts quickly)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or use dried basil and oregano)
• Reserved pasta water, as needed for thinning the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea — this is your chance to season the pasta itself. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 9 to 11 minutes. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This liquid gold will help you adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to become fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to burn it or it will turn bitter.

Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step allows the tomatoes to release their concentrated flavor into the oil, creating a flavorful base for your sauce. If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the pan.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to bubble softly for 3 to 4 minutes. This simmering time helps the cream thicken slightly and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce seems too thick at this point, don’t worry — you’ll thin it out with pasta water in a later step.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Toss the fresh spinach into the skillet and stir gently. It will seem like a lot at first, but spinach shrinks dramatically as it cooks. Within a minute or two, it will wilt down and integrate seamlessly into the sauce. The vibrant green color adds visual appeal and a boost of nutrition.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or a pasta fork, toss everything together until each strand is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick or isn’t clinging to the pasta well, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce adhere better and creates that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Remember that Parmesan is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt. Serve the pasta warm, straight from the skillet or plated in shallow bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh basil if you have it on hand.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

Make It Ultra-Creamy: For an even richer, silkier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. This addition gives the sauce a luxurious mouthfeel that rivals any high-end Italian restaurant.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy pasta water is your secret weapon. It not only loosens the sauce but also helps it cling to the noodles better, creating that perfect creamy coating.

Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar can’t compete with the bright, aromatic punch of freshly minced cloves. Take the extra 30 seconds to mince it yourself.

Choose Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a softer texture and more intense flavor than dry-packed versions. If you only have dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some ways to customize it:

Protein Additions: Toss in grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or Italian sausage to make it heartier. Cook the protein separately and add it during the final toss.

Vegetable Swaps: Swap the spinach for kale, arugula, or even roasted red peppers. You could also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.

Cheese Options: If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or use a blend of both.

Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to lighten the dish. You can also use Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk for tanginess.

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Adaptation: Swap heavy cream for cashew cream or coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and check that your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil without dairy additives.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines as a standalone main course, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, add a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life, as cream sauces tend to thicken when chilled. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

This spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s comforting without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and ready in the time it takes to stream an episode of your favorite show. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or unexpected guests, this dish delivers every single time.