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 garlic herb pasta has become a favorite in my home for its ease and rich flavor.

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

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

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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

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

Check price on Amazon

Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always brings my family together around the table on busy weeknights.

Notes

For extra protein add cooked chicken shrimp or white beans Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream Excellent paired with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light bodied red

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories 540 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 62 g Protein 17 g

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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.

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This one-pot recipe is both simple and satisfying perfect for any weeknight meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal for absorbing the creamy sauce and holding the hearty ingredients well.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option?

Yes, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less rich sauce without compromising flavor.

→ How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?

Simmer the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite, usually 10-12 minutes.

→ What herbs enhance the sauce's flavor?

A combination of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, along with fresh basil and parsley, creates a vibrant, aromatic profile.

→ Is it possible to add protein to the dish?

Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be stirred in to boost protein and add variety.

→ Can sun-dried tomatoes be replaced with fresh tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor and texture; fresh tomatoes may make the sauce less intense but are a possible alternative.