Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Ready in 20 Minutes)

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor—but you don’t have an hour to stand over the stove—this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is about to become your new weeknight hero.

This dish combines tender spaghetti, vibrant fresh spinach, and a rich, silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. The reality? It comes together in just 20 minutes. Yes, really.

It’s the kind of pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly simple. Creamy yet fresh. Indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for busy evenings, casual dinners with friends, or even a cozy solo night in.

Let’s get into why this recipe works so beautifully—and how you can make it perfectly every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one hits a sweet spot:

• Ready in 20 minutes
• Made with simple pantry staples
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Perfectly creamy without feeling heavy
• Balanced with bright spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes

The magic lies in the contrast. The sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated sweetness and tang. The cream smooths everything out into a velvety sauce. Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness that keeps the dish from feeling too rich.

It’s comfort food—but smart comfort food.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes.
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once warm, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Create the cream sauce.
   Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheese.
   Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce will begin to thicken and become glossy.
5. Incorporate spinach.
   Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. It will reduce significantly in volume.
6. Combine pasta and sauce.
   Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
7. Adjust consistency.
   If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss again until silky.
8. Season and serve.
   Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

A quick and creamy vegetarian spaghetti recipe with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Cook spaghetti until al dente and reserve pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
3. Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Toss pasta with sauce and adjust consistency with pasta water.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture.

The Secret to Perfect Creamy Pasta in 20 Minutes

The key to a truly silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce pasta lies in three small but important details:

1. Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes

They’re softer, richer, and more flavorful. Plus, the oil adds depth to your sauce.

2. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

That starchy water acts like liquid gold. It binds the sauce to the spaghetti and creates that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

3. Freshly Grated Parmesan Only

Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same way. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and thickens the sauce naturally.

Flavor Profile: Why This Works

This spaghetti with spinach delivers layered flavor:

• Creaminess from heavy cream
• Saltiness and umami from Parmesan
• Tangy sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh brightness from spinach
• Optional heat from red pepper flakes

It’s balanced in every bite.

Variations to Make It Your Own

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

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken slices
• Sautéed shrimp
• Crispy tofu cubes

Make It Lighter

• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
• Use whole wheat spaghetti
• Add extra spinach for more greens

Make It Extra Creamy

• Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Add a splash of whole milk if needed

Make It Vegan

• Use coconut cream or plant-based cream
• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese

Serving Suggestions

This 20 minute pasta dinner pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigette
• Roasted vegetables
• Sparkling water with lemon

For a dinner party feel, serve in shallow bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as cream sauces can separate.

Freezing:
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but you can freeze if necessary. Reheat slowly and stir frequently.

Nutritional Highlights

While creamy, this dish offers balance:

• Spinach provides iron and vitamins
• Tomatoes deliver antioxidants
• Parmesan adds protein and calcium

It’s indulgent—but not over-the-top.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights

Let’s be real: weeknights are chaos. This recipe saves time because:

• Pasta cooks while you prep the sauce
• No complicated techniques
• Minimal cleanup
• One main skillet required

It’s truly an easy vegetarian spaghetti recipe you’ll make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work beautifully.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.

Is this spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. Otherwise, it’s mild and creamy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of creamy pasta that comes together in just 20 minutes. This spaghetti with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce proves that simple ingredients can create bold, comforting flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers richness, balance, and ease—all in one pan.

Try it once, and it just might become your go-to creamy pasta recipe.