This dish brings the richness of a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce together with the freshness of baby spinach, all clinging to perfectly al dente whole-wheat spaghetti. The technique of wilting spinach with the pasta’s residual heat not only saves time but locks in flavor and nutrients. The sour cream adds a tangy twist, balancing beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent but delivers plenty of fiber, antioxidants, and flavor. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for vegan diners—just switch the cheese and sour cream with your favorite plant-based versions.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
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3 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
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1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
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1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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Place spinach in a colander set in the sink.
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Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Once cooked, drain pasta over the spinach to wilt it.
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Meanwhile, heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
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Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and garlic; cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Add broth and bring to a simmer.
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Lower heat and stir in sour cream until the sauce is creamy and warmed through.
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Toss in the drained spaghetti and wilted spinach. Stir to combine.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti Should Be Your New Weeknight Staple
When it comes to comfort food, pasta will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s warm, versatile, and universally loved—but not all pasta dishes are created equal. Enter this Spaghetti with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, a 20-minute miracle meal that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With its tangy, creamy base, nutrient-dense greens, and fiber-rich whole-wheat spaghetti, this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also deeply satisfying and good for you.
Let’s explore what makes this recipe so special, from its flavorful components to the nutritional perks, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
A Background of Flavors: Where This Recipe Comes From
This dish is a modern twist on the traditional Italian-style pasta, where sun-dried tomatoes often play a supporting role. Here, they’re the star. Originally a pantry staple in Mediterranean households, sun-dried tomatoes were created out of necessity—to preserve the tomato harvest during the hot summer months. Their bold, concentrated flavor offers a sweet and tangy intensity that fresh tomatoes sometimes lack.
Pair that with baby spinach, another Mediterranean favorite, and you’ve got a deeply flavorful dish rooted in Old World cooking traditions. Instead of a heavy cream sauce, this version uses sour cream and vegetable broth for a lighter, tangier take—ideal for today’s health-conscious cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. It’s Fast—20 Minutes Start to Finish
Let’s face it—most of us don’t have time for an elaborate meal after a long workday. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, using simple, wholesome ingredients. There’s no lengthy prep or cleanup involved, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a home-cooked meal.
2. Made with Pantry Staples
Sun-dried tomatoes, whole-wheat spaghetti, garlic, onions, and broth—most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. With fresh spinach and sour cream added to the mix, the recipe remains affordable, accessible, and easy to whip up anytime.
3. It’s Healthy Without Sacrificing Flavor
Whole-wheat spaghetti brings added fiber, sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, and spinach delivers a dose of vitamins and minerals. Meanwhile, the sour cream and Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative) offer a creamy finish without the need for heavy cream or butter.
4. Completely Customizable
Gluten-free? Just swap in your favorite GF pasta. Dairy-free? Use vegan sour cream and nutritional yeast. Want more protein? Toss in chickpeas or grilled tofu. This recipe works beautifully as a base you can build upon based on dietary needs and preferences.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe is not only comforting but also quite nourishing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key ingredients and their health benefits:
🌱 Spinach
- High in vitamins A, C, and K
- Rich in iron, folate, and calcium
- Low in calories, yet high in fiber
- Supports bone health, boosts immunity, and helps regulate blood pressure
🍅 Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Concentrated in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
- Good source of vitamin K and potassium
- Supports heart health, lowers cholesterol, and helps protect against some cancers
🌾 Whole-Wheat Spaghetti
- Contains complex carbohydrates for long-lasting energy
- High in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and satiety
- A better blood sugar stabilizer than refined pasta
🥄 Sour Cream (or Dairy-Free Alternative)
- Offers creaminess with fewer calories than heavy cream
- Fermented, which may support gut health in small amounts
- Can be easily replaced with vegan versions without compromising texture
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Wilt Spinach Without Cooking It Separately:
The trick of placing spinach in a colander and draining the hot pasta over it is genius. It saves time, preserves nutrients, and creates less cleanup. - Use the Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
This oil is infused with flavor—don’t waste it! It’s perfect for sautéing onions and garlic to create a rich base for the sauce. - Adjust Creaminess to Taste:
You can increase or decrease the amount of sour cream based on your preference. If you like it ultra-creamy, consider adding an extra tablespoon or two. - Make It Vegan-Friendly:
Swap sour cream with a plant-based version and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. - Make It a Full Meal:
While this pasta is satisfying on its own, you can also serve it with a green side salad or roasted vegetables for added volume and nutrients.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides and beverages:
- Side Dishes:
Garlic bread, roasted Brussels sprouts, lemony kale salad - Wine Pairing:
A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cream sauce while complementing the tomatoes. - Non-Alcoholic Option:
Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a homemade cucumber-mint lemonade adds a refreshing contrast.
Why This Is the Best Creamy Pasta You’ll Try This Year
There are plenty of creamy pasta recipes out there, but few hit the mark on flavor, nutrition, and speed quite like this one.
- It feels indulgent but is guilt-free.
- It satisfies without weighing you down.
- It tastes complex but requires minimal effort.
It’s the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for any night of the week—whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a family of four.
And unlike many cream-based pastas, this one won’t leave you feeling bloated or sluggish. It’s light enough for warm-weather evenings but comforting enough for colder nights, too.
Testimonials & Reader Feedback
Here’s what others are saying about this dish:
🗣️ “I couldn’t believe how fast it came together. The sun-dried tomato flavor really shines, and the spinach adds a nice fresh bite. A new favorite for sure!”
— Emily J., Michigan
🗣️ “I made this vegan with oat-based sour cream and nooch instead of Parmesan. Still came out so creamy and delicious. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah K., London
🗣️ “My kids asked for seconds and didn’t even notice it was whole-wheat pasta. That’s a win in my book!”
— Mark D., California
Conclusion
If you’re tired of the same old pasta dishes, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Spaghetti is your ticket to pasta night bliss. It’s quick, nourishing, endlessly customizable, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet without even trying. Add it to your rotation and let this easy yet elevated dish win over your dinner table, one creamy, tomato-packed bite at a time.