Creamy Linguine with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe: Tasty Joy

Whipping up a delightful linguine with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes can transport you to an Italian countryside in mere minutes.

Fragrant herbs and vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that spark culinary excitement.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly this dish comes together, blending Mediterranean influences with fresh, wholesome elements.

Subtle notes of garlic and olive oil complement the rich, slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.

Each twirl of linguine captures a medley of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and elegant.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe promises to become a go-to meal when you want something spectacular without hours of preparation.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

Why Creamy Linguine with Spinach Is So Delicious

• Speedily Prepare Gourmet Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home chefs wanting to impress.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the pasta by swapping ingredients like adding grilled chicken, changing cheese types, or using different vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Creates a luxurious meal in under 20 minutes, solving the challenge of preparing delicious food during busy weekdays without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet, reducing dish washing and making the cooking process streamlined and stress-free for home cooks.

Ingredients for Creamy Linguine with Spinach

• Linguine: A classic Italian long, flat pasta that serves as the perfect base for this creamy dish.
• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the pasta.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored tomatoes that provide a sweet and tangy burst in the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and spinach while adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a silky and cohesive sauce when needed.

How to Cook Linguine with Spinach and Tomatoes

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and generously sprinkle salt. Drop in linguine and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically 3-4 minutes.

Drain the pasta, but save a splash of the starchy cooking water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Greens

Heat a skillet and drizzle with olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance until wonderfully aromatic. Add fresh spinach and watch it dramatically wilt and transform into a vibrant green blanket.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in velvety heavy cream and begin stirring. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a silky, dreamy sauce that clings to everything.

Step 4: Introduce Tangy Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, bringing a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your creamy creation.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently transfer linguine into the skillet, tossing everything together.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring each strand is perfectly coated.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Plate on warm dishes and sprinkle extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Bon appétit!

Tips for Creamy Linguine Success

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to linguine.
• Cook spinach just until it wilts to maintain bright green color and prevent soggy texture.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
• Sun-dried tomatoes are salty, so taste and adjust seasoning carefully before adding extra salt.
• Add reserved pasta water slowly to achieve desired sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too runny or dry.

Variations for Linguine with Spinach and Tomatoes

• Vegan Creamy Linguine: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Mediterranean Herb Linguine: Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the herbal flavors. Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a different profile.
• Protein-Packed Linguine: Incorporate grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for added protein. Mix in white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Option: Substitute linguine with spiralized zucchini noodles. Keep the creamy sauce and original seasonings for a lighter, vegetable-based version.

Pairings for Creamy Linguine and Spinach

Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes’ tangy flavor.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.

Serve toasted garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce and add a crunchy texture that complements the soft linguine.

Add simply seasoned grilled chicken breast on the side to introduce lean protein and make the dish more substantial for heartier appetites.

Storage Advice for Creamy Linguine with Spinach

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in skillet over low heat. Add small amount of cream or water to revive sauce texture. Stir gently until heated through, preventing sauce from separating.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this linguine recipe?

The key ingredients are linguine pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Is this a vegetarian dish?

Yes, this linguine recipe is vegetarian and does not contain any meat products.

• How difficult is this recipe to make?

This recipe is quite simple and beginner-friendly, requiring basic cooking skills and taking around 20 minutes to prepare.

• Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Linguine With Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky linguine dances with earthy spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta delight. Creamy, zesty flavors blend perfectly, offering a quick and elegant meal that will transport you to an Italian coastal kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh linguine

Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge linguine and cook for precisely 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully drain pasta, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature. Gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, approximately 45-60 seconds. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until leaves collapse and wilt completely.
3. Gradually stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking consistently to create a smooth, silky base. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts seamlessly and sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer cooked linguine directly into the skillet, using tongs to meticulously coat each strand with the decadent sauce. If sauce appears too thick, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve ideal texture and creaminess.
6. Taste and calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Plate immediately on warmed serving dishes, optional garnish of additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of linguine.
• Spinach Swap: Replace fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient-packed green that adds robust flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy richness.
• Quick Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this dish into a more substantial meal without compromising its delicate flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg