Save Pin 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
- 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
Save Pin 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
Save Pin
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.