Pin It 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.