Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Ready in 20 Minutes)
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in record time, this Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is your answer. Creamy, garlicky, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavor, this quick creamy spaghetti is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you simply want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
This sun-dried tomato pasta combines tender spaghetti, silky cream sauce, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes to create a balanced, flavorful dish that tastes far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. Best of all? It’s ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Let’s explore why this creamy spinach spaghetti deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This 20 Minute Pasta Dinner
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one checks all the boxes:
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Minimal prep work
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Rich, creamy texture without being heavy
- Perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream creates a luxurious sauce with natural sweetness and acidity. Spinach adds freshness and color, while Parmesan ties everything together with savory depth.
This is comfort food made simple.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional additions:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
- Grilled chicken or shrimp (for protein boost)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor. - Create the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach. Cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. - Incorporate Cheese & Seasonings
Add grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. - Serve Immediately
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add Parmesan and seasonings, stirring until smooth.
- Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
What Makes Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta So Special?
Sun-dried tomatoes pack concentrated flavor. Unlike fresh tomatoes, they offer a deeper, slightly sweet, and tangy intensity that blends beautifully into creamy sauces. Their chewy texture also adds dimension to every bite.
Combined with garlic and Parmesan, they create a sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours — even though it only takes minutes.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Spaghetti
1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Al dente spaghetti holds up best in cream-based sauces and prevents mushiness.
2. Use Pasta Water
The starchy reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and cohesive.
3. Grate Your Own Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor.
4. Balance the Cream
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If too thin, let it simmer slightly longer.
Variations to Try
Add Protein
Turn this into a heartier main dish by adding:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Sautéed shrimp
- Crispy pancetta
Make It Lighter
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a slightly lighter version.
Go Vegan
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
Add More Vegetables
Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini make excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions
This easy vegetarian pasta recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
It also makes a fantastic date-night dinner because it looks elegant yet requires minimal effort.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Avoid overheating, as cream sauces can separate.
Nutritional Highlights
While creamy, this dish offers:
- Iron from spinach
- Calcium from Parmesan
- Antioxidants from sun-dried tomatoes
- Energy-boosting carbohydrates from pasta
You can also boost fiber by using whole wheat spaghetti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work beautifully.
Are sun-dried tomatoes in oil better?
Yes — they’re softer and more flavorful for sauces.
Can I make it ahead?
Cream-based pasta is best fresh, but it reheats well with a splash of liquid.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! The cream balances the tanginess of the tomatoes, making it appealing to all ages.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights
This 20 minute pasta dinner is ideal when:
- You forgot to plan dinner
- You need something impressive but fast
- You want vegetarian comfort food
- You’re cooking for guests on short notice
The ingredients are simple, but the flavors feel elevated. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian bistro.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something extraordinary. With bold sun-dried tomato flavor, velvety cream, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish delivers comfort, elegance, and convenience in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for quick creamy spaghetti, an easy vegetarian pasta recipe, or a satisfying 20 minute pasta dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Make it once, and it might just become your signature weeknight meal.
