Tuscan Pasta Recipe

This Tuscan Pasta is a quick and easy dish that’s bursting with flavor! Imagine tender pasta coated in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and delicious: The combination of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and decadent sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
  • Flavorful: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning infuse the sauce with a delicious depth of flavor.
  • Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: You can use your favorite type of pasta, and the dish is easily customizable with different vegetables or protein.

Ingredients for Tuscan Pasta

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: Used to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
  • Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Create a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well in this recipe.
  • Spinach: Adds a healthy dose of greens and a pop of color.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and richness to the sauce.
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Season the dish to perfection.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Tuscan Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Add the heavy cream, milk, and pasta to the saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add the Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you like, but long noodles like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use a jar of roasted red peppers instead.
  • Spinach: You can substitute the spinach with other leafy greens, such as kale or arugula.
  • Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, instead of Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Tuscan Pasta

Tuscan Pasta Recipe
  • Main course: This pasta dish is hearty enough to be served as a main course for lunch or dinner.
  • Side dish: You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Tuscan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Tuscan Pasta Recipe

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as the pasta can become mushy if it sits in the sauce for too long. However, you can cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine and reheat just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe, as freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the pasta and sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Tuscan Pasta. I hope you enjoy it!

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Tuscan Pasta Recipe

Tuscan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 1 from 1 review
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x
  • Category: MAIN DISHES
  • Method: STOVETOP
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This creamy Tuscan Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish with a burst of Italian flavors. Tender pasta is bathed in a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, then finished with fresh spinach.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted, sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  2. Cook pasta: Add heavy cream, milk, and pasta to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.
  4. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, drained.
  • To add protein, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to the dish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 680kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Saturated Fat: 26g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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