Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce 🍝

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Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce 🍝

This quick and delicious pasta dish combines whole-wheat spaghetti with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, this recipe uses the flavorful oil from sun-dried tomatoes to create a rich and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• ½ cup slivered oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, plus 1 tablespoon oil from the jar
• ½ cup halved and thinly sliced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta:

• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Drain pasta over a large colander with the spinach inside to wilt it with the residual heat.

1. Prepare Sauce:

• Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high, add broth, and cook until reduced by about half, around 2 minutes.

1. Finish the Dish:

• Stir in sour cream, Parmesan, and butter until melted and well combined. Add the cooked spaghetti and wilted spinach to the skillet; toss to coat well.

1. Serve:

• Enjoy immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Spinach Technique: Place spinach in the colander and pour the hot pasta water over it to quickly wilt the spinach.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor. The oil from the jar is used to sauté the vegetables and build the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to keep it vegetarian.
• Cream Alternatives: Swap sour cream for mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a different creamy texture.

Nutrition Notes:

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, they help protect heart health and lower blood pressure.
• Whole-Wheat Pasta: Offers more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to regular pasta. It supports heart health and helps with blood sugar control.
• Spinach: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it adds a nutritional boost to this dish.

Storage:

• Make Ahead: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.

Community Feedback:

• Positive Reviews: Users appreciate the creamy texture and robust flavor. Many have experimented with additions like broccoli, mushrooms, or chicken for added variety.
• Customizations: Some prefer using different cheeses or adding extra ingredients to personalize the recipe.

Enjoy this delightful and creamy spaghetti dish for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal!