One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Featured in: Cozy One-Pan Home Suppers

This comforting Tuscan pasta combines tender noodles with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a blend of herbs in a silky garlic cream sauce. All cooked together in a single pot for ease and flavor, it offers a rich and luscious texture. The dish balances savory notes of Parmesan and Italian herbs, delivering a satisfying, creamy experience perfect for a quick and simple meal with a fresh touch.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:56:00 GMT
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes is rich. Save Pin
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes is rich. | meadowforks.com

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 quickly became a favorite at home because it is simple yet full of rich flavors that impress every time.

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

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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
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
A photo presents the finished One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, perfectly plated and ready to eat. Save Pin
A photo presents the finished One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, perfectly plated and ready to eat. | meadowforks.com

My family gathers eagerly when this creamy pasta comes to the table, always asking for seconds because it tastes like a warm hug.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Variations

For added protein add cooked chicken shrimp or white beans For a lighter option use half and half instead of heavy cream

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days Reheat gently to preserve creaminess

Imagine the aroma: steaming One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Save Pin
Imagine the aroma: steaming One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. | meadowforks.com
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This one-pot creamy Tuscan pasta is the perfect hassle-free dinner full of fresh flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine or penne pasta is ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well while cooking evenly in one pot.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herb mix?

Yes, fresh basil and parsley are added at the end to brighten the flavors, complementing the dried herbs during cooking.

Is it necessary to use both heavy cream and milk?

The combination creates the perfect creamy texture without being too thick or too thin, but half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter finish.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Stir frequently while simmering to keep the noodles submerged and prevent sticking or clumping.

Can this dish be made vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, it is naturally vegetarian with vegetable broth and no meat, but adding protein like chicken or shrimp can be done separately.

What are good drink pairings with this pasta?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine pairs wonderfully, enhancing the creamy and herbal flavors.

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

A comforting Tuscan-style pasta simmered with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs in creamy sauce.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time in Oven/Pan
20 minutes
Complete Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Meadow Forks Olivia Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Servings Produced 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz fettuccine or penne

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
05 3 cups baby spinach

Liquids

01 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 ½ cup whole milk

Cheese & Herbs

01 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil, oregano, thyme)
03 ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
04 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasonings

01 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 02

Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.

Step 03

Combine pasta and liquids: Add uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and whole milk to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.

Step 04

Simmer pasta: Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

Step 05

Add spinach: Incorporate baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 06

Incorporate cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 07

Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat. Fold in fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notice

Always review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, consult your doctor.
  • Contains milk and cheese (dairy) and wheat (gluten in pasta).
  • May contain sulfites from sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutritional guidance is for informational use only. For personal advice, speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Total Calories: 540
  • Fat Content: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 62 grams
  • Proteins: 17 grams