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 garlic herb pasta quickly became a favorite because it is both simple to make and full of rich flavors. I love how everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
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 12/10 cups (830 ml) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- Cheese & Herbs: 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil, oregano, thyme), 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1/2 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 23 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 1012 minutes or until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Step 5:
- Add spinach and cook for 23 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 always brings my family together as we enjoy the creamy flavors and hearty ingredients on a cozy evening.
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 per serving
Pin it 
This one pot creamy Tuscan pasta is a quick comforting dish perfect for any weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or penne are ideal choices as they hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
- → Can I substitute the cream and milk with lighter options?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based milk substitute to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks evenly in one pot?
Stir frequently and monitor liquid levels to keep the pasta submerged and absorb flavors without overcooking.
- → What herbs provide the best flavor in this dish?
A combination of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with fresh basil and parsley, offers a balanced, aromatic profile.
- → Is it possible to add protein without changing the dish's texture?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be folded in after cooking to enhance protein without altering texture significantly.