Once the garlic is ready, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. The beauty of sun-dried tomatoes is their concentrated flavor; it’s like adding a burst of sunshine into the dish. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. I usually keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil too vigorously. After a few minutes, I stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and combine beautifully with the cream, creating a luscious sauce.
Now, when the pasta is cooked, I drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning. I toss the spaghetti directly into the sauce and add the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently in the heat. I love watching the vibrant green spinach intertwine with the creamy sauce, turning the dish into a feast for the eyes. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water can help reach the perfect consistency.
Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then plate it up. I like to finish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan on top for that gourmet touch.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to find the perfect creamy texture. You can experiment with low-fat cream, but I found that heavy cream gives the best silky finish. Also, I learned that adding a bit of pasta water helps to incorporate the sauce better with the spaghetti and prevents it from clumping together.
If you’re like me and love lots of flavor, don’t shy away from seasoning your sauce well. Taste as you go along! Sometimes, a little extra salt or Parmesan can elevate the dish significantly.
Lastly, I suggest preparing the sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time. If they’re packed in oil, draining them a bit can prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy. A little prep goes a long way in cooking!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made initially was not checking the pasta for doneness correctly. You’d be surprised how many times I’ve let it boil a minute longer than needed, leading to overly soft spaghetti. It’s worth it to set a timer!
Another frequent pitfall is neglecting the sauce while waiting for the pasta. Sometimes, I’d get too distracted and let it simmer for too long, which caused the cream to separate. Keeping an eye on the heat level will keep that beautiful creamy consistency intact. (See the next page below to continue…)