Description
This creamy and flavorful Linguine with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce combines tender linguine pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick yet elegant vegetarian dinner, this dish balances creamy textures and subtle heat from red pepper flakes for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably 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
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 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 over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through and any excess moisture is evaporated.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just ensure it is thawed and well drained before using.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili flakes to taste.
- Using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.
