Ah, linguine with spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce! Just saying that makes my mouth water. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, creamy, and peppered with vibrant flavors. I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those “I need to clean out my pantry and see what I can whip up” moments. The sun-dried tomatoes were lurking in my cupboard, and boy, am I glad I had them on hand! The rich cream sauce combined with the earthiness of spinach and a hint of spice makes it a staple in my culinary repertoire.
Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of cozy dinner nights spent with friends or that lovely evening when I impressively threw together a last-minute meal and received rave reviews. Trust me when I say that this linguine is not only delicious but super easy to prepare. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine—a win-win in my book!
What’s in Linguine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
Linguine Pasta: This long, thin pasta is perfect for clinging to the rich cream sauce. You can use any other pasta shape you love, but I find linguine does it best!
Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil for sautéing brings a lovely flavor. I always go for extra virgin for that added richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the superstar in this recipe, lending an aromatic depth to the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful sweetness and tang to the sauce. I prefer using those packed in oil because they offer richer flavors—plus, it’s one less step to take!
Fresh Spinach: The vibrant green adds color and nutrients! You can toss in more if you’re a spinach lover like me.
Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient that transforms this dish into a luscious, creamy delight.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding a nutty, salty finish, it really rounds out the flavor of the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: A dash of heat is optional, but I think it gives the sauce a perfect kick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.
Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle brings a smoky flair to the dish and is completely optional, but don’t we love options?
Is Linguine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Good for You?
Oh, who doesn’t love a decadent pasta dish? Now, while this pasta is undeniably indulgent thanks to the **heavy cream** and **Parmesan cheese**, it’s still packed with some goodness!
**Spinach:** First off, we’ve got **spinach**, a leafy green high in vitamins A, C, and K as well as iron. It’s a nutritional powerhouse that makes you feel a little better about diving into that creamy sauce!
**Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Plus, the **sun-dried tomatoes** bring in a ton of antioxidants and vitamin C. They also give a burst of flavor without all the added calories.
On the downside, because this dish contains heavy cream, it’s richer and higher in calories and fat. As a special treat, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you need a little comfort.
But hey, balance is key, right? I like to serve this with a side salad to round out the meal.
What You’ll Need
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil for more flavor)
– 5 oz fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
This recipe serves about 2-3 people; perfect for a cozy dinner during the week or a romantic meal!
How to Make Linguine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce?
1. Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it but save about 1/2 cup of that precious pasta water—trust me, you’ll want it later!
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for around a minute until it’s fragrant and golden. Don’t burn it; we want it sweet, not bitter!
3. Time to add those luscious sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
4. Stir in that beautiful fresh spinach and cook until it wilts—about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and mix everything deliciously. Allow it to simmer for a minute, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted into a creamy delight.
6. If the sauce seems a little thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
7. Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, coating it evenly with that dreamy sauce.
8. Serve this heavenly pasta immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of smoked paprika if you want to get fancy. Enjoy every bite!
Little Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta Dish
– Don’t skip on good-quality pasta; it makes a significant difference in texture!
– Feel free to experiment with veggies—zucchini or artichokes would also work beautifully in this dish.
– If you want a lighter version, swap half of the heavy cream for vegetable broth; it will still be tasty, just less rich!
– This dish is delightful on its own, but pair it with some garlic bread and a light salad for a complete feast.
I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try in your own kitchen! Whether it becomes a busy weeknight favorite or a go-to for entertaining, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Let’s be real; pasta always brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy this wonderful dish just like I do! Happy cooking!
