Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup matchstick-cut oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, or to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes and slivered basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 9 to 10 minutes, or to your preferred doneness. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook until softened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and saut until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, then bring to a low simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Stir in the spinach and cook until it starts to wilt. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and slivered basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	306
Total Fat	20g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	10g (48% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	44mg (15% Daily Value)
Sodium	359mg (16% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	24g (9% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	9g (17% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	19mg (22% Daily Value)
Calcium	159mg (12% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (10% Daily Value)
Potassium	420mg (9% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta

The creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach pasta is a modern Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of cream with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of leafy greens. While pasta itself has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, the idea of incorporating sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy sauce emerged more prominently in Italian-American kitchens during the mid-20th century. Sun-dried tomatoes, originally popularized in the southern regions of Italy like Puglia and Campania, were prized for their intense flavor and long shelf life, allowing cooks to enjoy a concentrated tomato taste year-round.

Regional Variations and Influences

Though often associated with Italian-American cooking, this pasta has roots that trace back to Southern Italy. In regions like Lazio and Campania, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and leafy greens such as spinach or arugula are commonly paired with pasta. In modern adaptations, heavy cream is added to create a velvety sauce, a practice more typical of Italian-American recipes than traditional Italian cuisine. Some regional variations replace spaghetti with penne or fettuccine, or incorporate local cheeses such as Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan. Olive oil remains a crucial ingredient, reflecting Italy's Mediterranean heritage.

Distinguishing Features Compared to Similar Dishes

Unlike a classic tomato-based pasta, which relies on a simple marinara, this recipe introduces cream, creating a richer, silkier texture. Compared to a traditional Alfredo, it incorporates sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, giving a balance of sweetness and vegetal freshness that sets it apart. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and a creamy sauce differentiates it from simpler cream pastas or tomato-only pasta dishes, making it both hearty and visually appealing.

Where Its Typically Served

This pasta is versatile and appears in various settings. It is commonly found in Italian-American restaurants, bistros, and home kitchens looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner. It can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner, often accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. Its elegant presentation and comforting flavors also make it a popular choice for casual dinner parties or family gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• Sun-dried tomatoes were originally dried in the sun for preservation, a practice dating back to ancient Mediterranean cultures.
• The combination of spinach and tomatoes is not just for taste; it provides a nutritional boost with vitamins A, C, and iron.
• Adding a small amount of reserved pasta water to the sauce helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency, a trick often used by professional chefs.
• Though heavy cream is used here, lighter alternatives like half-and-half or cashew cream can be substituted for a lower-fat version.
• Garnishes such as crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil not only enhance flavor but also reflect traditional Italian presentation techniques.

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