Sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, ready in the time it takes to boil the pasta.
Prep5 min
Cook15 min
Total20 min
Serves4
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Heavy cream
Fresh spinach
This is my 'there's nothing in the fridge' dinner. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes, a bag of spinach, cream, Parmesan and spaghetti, and twenty minutes later it looks like something from a cozy Italian restaurant.
Why it works
Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated sweetness and tang.
Cream and Parmesan make a silky, savory sauce.
Spinach adds freshness and color.
Pasta water pulls it all together.
Three small secrets
Oil-packed tomatoes. They're softer and more flavorful than dry ones, and their oil is perfect for the garlic.
Save the pasta water. Its starch helps the sauce coat every strand.
Fresh Parmesan. It melts smoothly and thickens the sauce naturally.
Variations
Add protein: grilled chicken, shrimp or crispy tofu.
Lighter: half-and-half and extra spinach.
Extra creamy: a spoonful of cream cheese.
Spicy: red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Serving
Serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper, plus garlic bread and a lemony green salad.
Leftovers keep for 3 days. Rewarm on the stove with a splash of milk.
Spaghetti in a quick, creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce with wilted spinach. Vegetarian and on the table in about 20 minutes.
Pasta Easy Italian-Inspired
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4
Ingredients 7 items
Tap to check off as you go
Pasta
Instructions 6 steps
1
Cook the spaghetti until al dente and save some of the pasta water.
2
Cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.
3
Pour in the cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
4
Stir in the Parmesan until smooth.
5
Add the spinach and cook until it wilts.
6
Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, adding pasta water until it's glossy.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
480
Protein
14g
Carbs
55g
Fat
22g
Sugar
5g
Fiber
3g
Sodium
420mg
Questions, answered
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Fettuccine, linguine or penne all work beautifully.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Otherwise it's mild and creamy.
Can I make it vegan?
Use coconut or oat cream and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
