Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Alfredo
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Alfredo. This luscious, rich sauce combines the vibrant taste of sun-dried tomatoes with the earthy goodness of spinach and tender artichoke hearts, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Made with Smart Balance for a healthier twist, whole milk for creaminess, and served over playful Trader Joe's alphabet pasta, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (Unprepared)
milk
1/2 cup (Whole milk)
cream cheese
1/4 cup (Softened)
sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup (Chopped, packed in oil)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (Unprepared)
artichoke hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (Quartered)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (Unprepared)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Unprepared)
salt
to taste (Unprepared)
pasta
as needed (Cooked (shells or penne recommended))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
2
Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and has thickened slightly.
3
Mix in the softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
4
Increase the heat to medium. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic powder, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring frequently until everything is heated through and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to adjust.
5
Lower the heat to low, and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6
Taste and add salt as needed. Serve the sauce hot over your choice of cooked pasta, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Alfredo.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How much butter is needed?
You need 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of flour is used for the roux?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of unprepared all-purpose flour.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of whole milk.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes prepared?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
What amount of spinach is used?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach.
Are the artichoke hearts fresh?
No, the recipe uses one 14-ounce can of quartered artichoke hearts.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and salt to taste.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Cooked shells or penne are recommended, though the description also mentions Trader Joe's alphabet pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
How long should the roux be cooked?
The roux should be cooked for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to melt the butter over medium-low heat and whisk in the flour.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency.
At what heat level should I add the parmesan cheese?
The heat should be lowered to low before stirring in the parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe falls under the '< 60 Mins' category.
Is there a healthier substitute for butter mentioned?
The description mentions using Smart Balance for a healthier twist.
How long does it take for the cheese to melt in the final step?
It takes an additional 1-2 minutes of stirring for the cheese to melt and the sauce to become creamy.
When do I add the sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes?
Add them after the cream cheese has been fully incorporated into the sauce and the heat has been increased to medium.
How should the milk be added?
The milk should be added gradually while stirring continuously.
Does the recipe use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before being added to the sauce.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What are the primary flavors in this alfredo?
The primary flavors are sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
Can this meal be served for special occasions?
Yes, the description notes it is both comforting and sophisticated, making it suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
How should the pasta be combined with the sauce?
The sauce should be served hot over cooked pasta and mixed well to coat the pasta evenly.
What heat setting is used for cooking the vegetables?
The heat is increased to medium while cooking the vegetables and seasonings.