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Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta

Featured in Dinner Made Easy.

This clever weeknight pasta makes the most of sun-dried tomato oil to create an incredibly flavorful cream sauce that coats every strand of whole wheat spaghetti perfectly. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition while plenty of parmesan brings rich, savory depth to every bite. The oil from the tomatoes infuses the entire dish with intense flavor while helping create a silky smooth sauce. It's the kind of quick dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in minutes using smart shortcuts!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:10:45 GMT
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A bowl of creamy pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes garnished with black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of creamy pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes garnished with black pepper. | tasteofcook.com

My love affair with this Spaghetti & Spinach in Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce started one busy evening in my kitchen. The combination of silky cream sauce infused with rich sun-dried tomato oil coating every strand of pasta just works magic. Now it's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without spending hours at the stove.

The Secret Behind This Pasta

I switched to whole wheat spaghetti years ago and never looked back. It adds this wonderful nutty flavor that regular pasta just can't match. The fresh spinach wilts into silky ribbons giving this 20-minute wonder both color and nutrition that makes me feel good about serving it to my family.

Everything You Need

  • Baby Spinach: I grab the fresh pre washed kind to save time
  • Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Trust me on this one it makes all the difference
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes: The oil packed ones are worth splurging on
  • Sweet Onion: Sliced nice and thin
  • Fresh Garlic: I always use more than the recipe calls for
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough to wake up your taste buds
  • Salt & Pepper: Season as you go
  • Good Broth: I keep low sodium on hand
  • Sour Cream: Full fat makes the sauce dreamy
  • Real Parmesan: Fresh grated melts like a dream
  • Butter: A little pat makes everything better

Putting It All Together

Get Your Pasta Going
Pop that spinach in your colander first then cook your pasta the water will wilt the greens perfectly
Start Your Sauce Base
That gorgeous tomato oil goes in first then add onions and tomatoes until they smell amazing
Layer The Flavors
Add garlic and seasonings let them warm up and release their goodness
Create The Sauce
Pour in your broth let it bubble then stir in the creamy ingredients until everything comes together

My Kitchen Secrets

Using the hot pasta water to wilt spinach is my favorite time saving trick. Always get oil packed sun dried tomatoes the flavor is unmatched. When I'm cooking for my vegetarian friends I swap in veggie broth and sometimes sprinkle nutritional yeast on top.

About That Whole Wheat Pasta

I started using whole wheat pasta when I wanted to add more fiber to our meals. The nutty taste has grown on us so much we prefer it now. Sometimes I mix it half and half with regular pasta when serving to guests who might be new to whole wheat.

The Magic of Sun Dried Tomatoes

These little flavor bombs pack such a nutritious punch. Their intense sweet tomato taste transforms any dish and knowing they're loaded with good things makes me love them even more. I always keep a jar in my pantry for quick flavor boosting.

Kitchen Tools You'll Want

This recipe comes together with just my everyday basics. You'll need your pasta pot a good colander and your favorite big skillet. I love using my deep sided pan it gives everything room to mix without spilling.

Making It Your Own

Some nights I toss in whatever vegetables need using up. Mushrooms are fantastic in this and sometimes I add zucchini from my garden. The sauce works with any pasta shape you love and you can always spice it up if that's your style.

Perfect for Busy Days

After a long day at work this pasta is my dinner hero. Twenty minutes from start to finish and it always turns out delicious. The prep is so simple I can help with homework while cooking.

Serving Ideas

We love this with a simple green salad on the side and maybe some crusty bread to catch every drop of sauce. Pour yourself a glass of wine or sparkling water with lemon and dinner suddenly feels special even on a regular Tuesday.

Saving Some for Later

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. Just warm them gently in the microwave stirring now and then. If the sauce needs loosening up add a splash of broth and it'll be good as new.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta hits all the right notes. The creamy sauce feels indulgent the spinach adds freshness and those sun dried tomatoes bring such amazing flavor. It's become my signature dish for casual dinners with friends and family nights alike.

A creamy pasta dish featuring spaghetti, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish featuring spaghetti, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular spaghetti instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti. The cooking time might vary slightly, so follow the package instructions for best results.
→ What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream. It provides similar creaminess while adding extra protein to the dish.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can make it ahead. The sauce might thicken when stored, so add a splash of pasta water when reheating.
→ How do I store leftover sun-dried tomato oil?
Keep the remaining oil in its original jar. The flavored oil is great for salad dressings and other pasta dishes.
→ Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would work well. Cook them separately and add them with the pasta at the final step.

Creamy Sundried Tomato Pasta

A quick pasta dinner featuring whole wheat spaghetti and fresh spinach in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (5 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped.
02 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti.
03 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, slivered.
04 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar.
05 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced.
06 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
07 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
08 1/4 teaspoon salt.
09 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
10 1 cup low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken).
11 1/2 cup sour cream.
12 1/4 cup grated parmesan.
13 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Put chopped spinach in a large colander. Cook spaghetti in boiling water following package times. Pour hot pasta over spinach to wilt it while draining.

Step 02

Heat tomato oil in a large pan. Cook onion and sun-dried tomatoes until soft. Add garlic, pepper flakes, salt and black pepper, cooking until fragrant.

Step 03

Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half. Mix in sour cream, parmesan, and butter until smooth.

Step 04

Toss pasta and wilted spinach with the sauce until well coated.

Notes

  1. Uses pasta water technique to wilt spinach.
  2. Can use vegetable or chicken broth.
  3. Original recipe from EatingWell.com.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large colander.
  • Large saucepan.
  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 13 g