Save 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.
I first served this creamy Tuscan pasta on a chilly evening and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its rich flavors and effortless preparation.
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 This recipe brings my family together every time we share it around the dinner table, enjoying the rich aromas and comforting flavors.
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
Allergen Information
Contains Milk cheese (dairy) wheat (gluten in pasta) May contain sulfites (in sun-dried tomatoes) Always check product labels for hidden allergens
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Enjoy this creamy Tuscan garlic herb pasta as a comforting weeknight meal that satisfies all ages.