When I first made this dish, I wasn’t sure if spaghetti and spinach could pull off being a power couple, but one bite of that sun-dried tomato cream sauce and I was sold. It’s the kind of meal that balances cozy and light, creamy yet fresh. You know those recipes that make you pause mid-bite because they’re that good? This is one of them. I like to think of it as my answer to busy weekdays when I want something quick but not boring. The sauce hugs the pasta, the spinach wilts just enough to soften, and the sun-dried tomatoes? They bring this sweet, tangy kick that makes the whole dish shine. Honestly, I catch myself sneaking extra spoonfuls straight from the pan before it even makes it to the plate. This recipe also sneaks into the healthy lunch recipes category without trying too hard. It’s flavorful, filling, and doesn’t leave you with that heavy post-meal slump. Whether you’re into sun dried tomato recipes, searching for the best spaghetti sauce recipe, or you just want chicken and spinach recipes healthy enough to fit your goals, this covers it. It even doubles as one of those recipes healthy lunch fans keep in their rotation, especially if you love spinach recipes healthy or spaghetti and chicken recipes that actually taste amazing.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
3) Ingredients for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
4) How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
5) Tips for Making Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
6) Making Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe combines spaghetti with spinach and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
It works as one of those healthy lunch recipes that feel hearty but not heavy.
You can make it quickly with simple pantry and fridge staples.
Add chicken if you want extra protein and a more filling dish.

2) Easy Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

I’ll be honest, the first time I made this I wasn’t expecting much. I had a bag of spinach that was about to give up on me and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes staring me down from the pantry shelf. That combo turned into one of the best healthy lunch recipes I’ve made in ages. It’s creamy, flavorful, and still light enough that you don’t end up ready for a nap afterward.

The sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, wrapping it in a tangy, savory hug. The spinach melts down just enough to taste earthy without taking over. The sun-dried tomatoes give the whole dish a sweet bite with a punch of tartness. Honestly, it’s one of those spaghetti and chicken recipes that makes you wish you had doubled the batch so there’d be plenty left over.

When I think of recipes healthy lunch fans would enjoy, this one tops the list. It’s flexible, it’s quick, and it feels like something you’d order in a little Italian café but made right in your kitchen.

3) Ingredients for Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Spaghetti: Use regular spaghetti or any long pasta. It carries the sauce well and twirls beautifully on a fork.

Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps garlic release its fragrance when it hits the pan. A little goes a long way here.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced fine. It builds the flavor base that makes this dish more than just noodles with cream.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring tangy sweetness and chewiness that fresh tomatoes can’t match. Chop them so every bite catches some.

Heavy Cream: For richness and that silky smooth sauce. It thickens naturally as it simmers.

Chicken Broth: Adds body and prevents the cream from becoming too heavy. It keeps the sauce balanced.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan pulls the sauce together with nutty, salty notes that feel comforting and familiar.

Spinach: Two cups of fresh spinach wilt into the sauce, bringing a healthy green boost without much effort.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds just enough heat to wake up the dish.

Salt and Pepper: The basics that pull all the other flavors into harmony.

4) How to Make Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Step 1. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain it and set it aside but save a splash of pasta water. You’ll thank me when you need it to loosen the sauce.

Step 2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in the garlic and stir until it smells like heaven, about a minute.

Step 3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the garlic for a couple of minutes.

Step 4. Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Let it bubble softly until it starts to thicken, about five minutes.

Step 5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt and turn the sauce glossy.

Step 6. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. It doesn’t take long—just a minute or two.

Step 7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust as you go.

Step 8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the sauce hugs every strand. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water.

Step 9. Serve it warm with extra Parmesan if you like things cheesy.

5) Tips for Making Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Don’t skip the pasta water. It works like magic to loosen the sauce and help it stick to the spaghetti. I’ve forgotten once or twice and always regret it. Keep at least half a cup aside before you drain the pot.

Cook the pasta until just al dente. Overcooked noodles break down when tossed in sauce and nobody enjoys spaghetti mush. Taste test often while it boils.

Want more protein? Add cooked chicken slices. It turns this into one of those chicken and spinach recipes healthy enough to keep in rotation but still comforting after a long day.

6) Making Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce Ahead of Time

I’ve learned that this recipe holds up surprisingly well if you need to prep it ahead. Cook the spaghetti and make the sauce separately, then store them in airtight containers. When you’re ready, warm the sauce gently and toss it with freshly heated pasta.

If you plan to serve it later in the week, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to bring the sauce back to life. The flavors deepen as they sit, which makes leftovers almost better than the first round.

This flexibility makes it one of my go-to recipes healthy lunch style. It fits into a busy schedule without losing its appeal.

7) Storing Leftover Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about three days. The spinach softens more, but it still tastes great.

When reheating, add a splash of pasta water, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm it over low heat so the cream doesn’t separate. It takes just a few minutes.

I’ve even packed this as a work lunch. A quick reheat in the microwave and it’s like a warm hug waiting for me at my desk.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce