One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

A luscious, comforting pasta dish simmered in a single pot, featuring tender noodles, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of fresh herbs in a velvety garlic cream sauce.

This creamy Tuscan pasta has become a family favorite I love making for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 1 cup (60 g) sun dried tomatoes julienned (oil packed drained), 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
• Liquids: 3 ½ cups (830 ml) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• Cheese & Herbs: ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil, oregano, thyme), ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat Add garlic and onion sauté 2 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent

Step 2:

Stir in sun dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute

Step 3:

Add uncooked pasta vegetable broth cream and milk Stir to submerge the pasta

Step 4:

Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs salt and pepper Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low Simmer uncovered stirring frequently for 10 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce

Step 5:

Add spinach and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted

Step 6:

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens

Step 7:

Remove from heat Fold in fresh basil and parsley Adjust seasoning as needed

Step 8:

Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired

Pin It

This recipe is a hit at family dinners and perfect for sharing a cozy meal with loved ones.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 540 calories, 24 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 17 g protein.

Tips for Variations

Add cooked chicken shrimp or white beans for extra protein Substitute gluten free pasta if needed Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.

Recommended Pairings

Excellent paired with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light bodied red wine.

Pin It

Enjoy this creamy Tuscan pasta as a comforting and easy meal any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta frequently during cooking and ensure there's enough liquid to keep it submerged so it cooks evenly without clumping.

→ Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?

Yes, you can use plant-based milk and cream alternatives to achieve a similar creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal since they hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in the single pot method.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be added for extra protein without altering the dish’s creamy consistency.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Include crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish to introduce a dash of heat that complements the creamy sauce.