Spaghetti Spinach Cream Sauce

This creamy pasta dish is your answer to weeknights when you crave something quick yet satisfying. It combines the earthy bite of whole wheat spaghetti with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and velvety sour cream to create a comforting meal in just twenty minutes. The spinach softens from the heat of the pasta alone so you skip an extra step and still get all the greens. It is the kind of meal I make when I want something soul-soothing without spending an hour in the kitchen.

I threw this together on a busy Wednesday and my husband asked for seconds before I sat down. Now it is a weeknight regular in our house

Ingredients

• Baby spinach: chopped coarsely so it wilts easily and blends into the sauce
• Whole wheat spaghetti: adds nutty flavor and fiber feel free to use regular if needed
• Sun dried tomatoes: slivered and oil packed for intense savory sweetness and texture
• Sun dried tomato oil: for building the flavor base do not skip it
• Onion: thinly sliced for a sweet aromatic backbone
• Garlic: fresh and minced for depth and aroma
• Crushed red pepper flakes: for a touch of heat adjust to your taste
• Salt: to enhance every ingredient
• Black pepper: freshly ground for subtle bite
• Vegetable or chicken broth: low sodium so you control seasoning adds moisture and richness
• Sour cream: to make the sauce creamy and tangy Greek yogurt can be used instead
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts better and adds sharpness
• Unsalted butter: for rounding out the sauce and extra silkiness

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Wilt the Spinach:

Place the chopped spinach in a large colander in your sink then cook the spaghetti according to package instructions Once ready pour the hot pasta and water over the spinach to wilt it gently Toss lightly to combine

Sauté the Base:

Heat one tablespoon of oil from the sun dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat Add the sun dried tomatoes and sliced onion Cook for about three minutes until the onions are softened and translucent

Add the Aromatics:

Stir in the minced garlic crushed red pepper salt and black pepper Cook for about one minute until fragrant being careful not to burn the garlic

Simmer the Broth:

Turn the heat to medium high and pour in the broth Let it simmer for two minutes allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat and stir in sour cream grated Parmesan and butter Mix until the ingredients are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained pasta and wilted spinach directly to the skillet Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss everything together gently ensuring the sauce coats all the noodles evenly

Serve:

Plate immediately with extra Parmesan if you like Serve hot and enjoy the creamy comforting flavor in every bite

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One of my favorite things about this dish is how the sun dried tomatoes add bursts of sweet tartness in every bite I also love watching the spinach wilt instantly from the pasta heat it feels like magic every time I make it

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge They will keep well for up to three days When reheating stir in a little broth or water to bring back the creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream for a lighter version You can use regular spaghetti if whole wheat is unavailable and chicken broth instead of vegetable if you are not strictly vegetarian

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is lovely on its own or paired with a crisp green salad and crusty bread For extra protein top with grilled chicken shrimp or even a scoop of white beans

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Cultural Context

Sun dried tomatoes bring a Mediterranean flair to the dish and pairing them with Parmesan and olive oil roots it in classic Italian flavors This kind of pasta is a great example of how European pantry staples create comfort food without fuss

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use regular spaghetti instead of whole wheat?

Yes, regular spaghetti works just as well. The texture will be slightly different, but it still pairs beautifully with the sauce.

→ What’s the best substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative can be used to lighten the dish or make it dairy-free.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned white beans are great additions to make it more filling.

→ Does this pasta reheat well?

Yes, it reheats beautifully with a splash of broth or water stirred in to loosen the sauce.

→ Why should I use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes?

The oil adds rich flavor and helps develop a more robust base for the sauce. It’s a simple trick that enhances the dish.