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 have often made this creamy Tuscan garlic herb pasta for quick weeknight dinners; it never fails to impress family and friends with its rich flavor and simplicity.
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 always brings my family together around the dinner table, sparking great conversations and smiles.
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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This creamy Tuscan garlic herb pasta is an absolute crowd pleaser that’s both simple and delicious.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without compromising the dish's texture.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans are great additions to enhance protein and make the dish more filling.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently during cooking and maintain a gentle simmer to keep the pasta separated and evenly coated with sauce.
- → Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs are added at the end for brightness; dried herbs are preferred during cooking for deeper infused flavors.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter yet still creamy consistency.
- → What cheese works best?
Grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing richness and adding a savory note.