Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb 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 quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and simple 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

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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

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

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We always enjoy this pasta at Sunday family dinners where everyone asks for seconds.

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

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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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This creamy Tuscan pasta is sure to become a go to recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Common Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or penne work well, but you can also try other shapes like rigatoni or farfalle depending on your preference.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir frequently during cooking and ensure pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to avoid sticking and promote even cooking.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be incorporated for added protein and texture.

→ Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

They add a sweet, intense flavor, but you can substitute with roasted red peppers for a different taste profile.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Using gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta makes this dish gluten-free-friendly.