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.
This creamy Tuscan garlic herb pasta quickly became a favorite in my house for busy weeknights. The rich sauce and fresh herbs always impress guests!
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 dish brings my family together every time especially on chilly evenings with a glass of wine.
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
Always check product labels for hidden allergens
Save This one pot creamy Tuscan garlic herb pasta is an effortless yet flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute without altering the dish's overall flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans make excellent protein additions.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Adjust the cooking time slightly and add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- → Can I skip the heavy cream for a lighter version?
Yes, substituting half-and-half reduces richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → What herbs are best to deepen the flavors?
A combination of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with fresh basil and parsley, enhances the taste.