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

Some dinners feel like they took hours to prepare, even when they didn’t. This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is exactly that kind of recipe. It tastes luxurious, rich, and restaurant-worthy—but comes together in just 20 minutes.

On busy evenings, when time is short but cravings for comfort are strong, this creamy spinach pasta recipe delivers everything you want in a bowl of pasta: silky sauce, bold flavor, tender noodles, and just the right touch of freshness from spinach. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, slightly tangy sweetness that balances beautifully with the cream and Parmesan.

It’s the perfect example of how simple pantry ingredients can create something truly special.

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Why This 20-Minute Pasta Dinner Works

This recipe succeeds because of balance.

• The spaghetti provides a hearty base.
• The sun-dried tomatoes add depth and bold flavor.
• Fresh spinach lightens the richness.
• Cream and Parmesan bring everything together in a velvety finish.

Unlike heavier Alfredo-style sauces, this one feels rich but not overwhelming. The spinach cuts through the creaminess, while garlic and sun-dried tomatoes create layers of savory complexity.

Best of all? It’s ready in the time it takes to boil pasta.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
   Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Create the Cream Sauce
   Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning
   Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Incorporate Spinach
   Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Combine with Pasta
   Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky and glossy.
8. Serve Immediately
   Plate and top with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.

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The Magic of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are intensely flavorful because they’re dehydrated, concentrating their natural sweetness and acidity. In this vegetarian creamy pasta, they:

• Add bright color
• Provide a tangy contrast to cream
• Deliver bold umami flavor

Using the oil from the jar adds even more depth, since it’s infused with tomato essence.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Spinach Pasta

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Salt Your Pasta Water Well
It should taste slightly salty—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Don’t Overcook the Spinach
Add it at the end so it stays vibrant and tender.

Reserve Pasta Water
The starch in pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles beautifully.

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Easy Variations

This easy weeknight spaghetti recipe is flexible and adaptable.

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Sautéed shrimp
• Crispy pancetta

Make It Lighter

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half
• Use whole wheat spaghetti

Add Vegetables

• Mushrooms
• Cherry tomatoes
• Roasted red peppers

Make It Vegan

• Use coconut cream
• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple arugula salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Sparkling water with lemon

It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights.

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Storage & Reheating

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

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Because cream sauces thicken in the fridge, reheating slowly preserves texture.

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Nutritional Highlights

While indulgent, this vegetarian creamy pasta offers:

• Iron and vitamins from spinach
• Calcium from Parmesan
• Lycopene from sun-dried tomatoes
• Energy-boosting carbohydrates from pasta

You can easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

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Why It’s Perfect for Busy Nights

This 20-minute pasta dinner proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just one skillet and one pot, cleanup is minimal. It’s ideal for:

• After-work dinners
• Quick family meals
• Casual date nights
• Meatless Mondays

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll memorize after making it once.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta. This Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce feels indulgent but balanced, rich yet fresh, simple yet impressive.

The silky cream sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, while bursts of sun-dried tomato and wilted spinach add texture and flavor in every bite.

When you need a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, this easy weeknight spaghetti recipe delivers every time—no stress, no fuss, just pure comfort in 20 minutes.