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Easy One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy one-pot Tuscan pasta - featured image

This creamy one-pot Tuscan pasta is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan create a velvety sauce that cooks right with the pasta for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomato jar)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the dry pasta directly to the pot. Stir to ensure it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  5. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. Check pasta for doneness at the 10-minute mark. If still firm, cover and cook for another 2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  7. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, about 1 minute.
  8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  9. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Let the pasta rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan pasta, one-pot pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta