Description
This Linguine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and delicious pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender linguine tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe balances rich and fresh flavors in just 25 minutes. The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, while fresh herbs make a beautiful garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes for fresh spinach or 3 to 4 minutes if using frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, gradually adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the desired consistency and coats the pasta well.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the right consistency.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a vibrant finishing touch but are optional.
