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If you’re craving a comforting and vibrant pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from the Italian countryside, this Tuscan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with rich, creamy flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels extraordinary. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe promises a delightful balance of luscious sauce and tender pasta that will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tuscan Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. These essentials come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly special. From the creaminess of the dairy to the zing of Italian seasoning, every element plays an important role.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and is the perfect base for sautéing aromatics.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky texture and enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Offers a fragrant and savory punch that wakes up the palate.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup): Bring a sweet, tangy intensity and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend that adds herbal warmth and complexity.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Lightens the sauce slightly and balances the cream’s richness.
- Choice of pasta – linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti (8 ounces): Acts as the hearty foundation, soaking up the sauce perfectly.
- Spinach, roughly chopped (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a mild, leafy bite.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): A lovely fragrant garnish that brightens each serving.
How to Make Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté them for about 30 seconds or until you catch that irresistible fragrant aroma, which is the hallmark of building flavor from the very start.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to combine all those flavors. Add your pasta straight into the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce absorbs all those delicious ingredients, creating a wonderfully cohesive dish. Be sure to stir frequently to stop the pasta from sticking and cook until it’s perfectly al dente—tender with just the slightest bite.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Parmesan
When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the roughly chopped spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts softly and the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. This step adds vibrant green notes and a rich cheesy finish that makes this Tuscan Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Now is the time to taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adding fresh basil leaves at this point is optional but highly recommended—it adds a fresh herbal pop that perfectly balances the creamy, savory flavors. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a lovely touch and bring a bright, aromatic freshness to the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle a touch more grated Parmesan for an extra burst of cheesy goodness. For a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil make delightful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Warm crusty bread or garlic focaccia is also an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a basil sprig and a small pile of shaved Parmesan. Another fun idea is to twirl the pasta gracefully onto plates using a fork and spoon to create elegant, restaurant-worthy presentations that are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making the dish taste even better the next day. Just be sure to keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze this Tuscan Pasta Recipe, keep in mind creamy pasta sauces tend to separate when frozen. If you choose to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to reincorporate the sauce and prevent it from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating can help restore the sauce’s original creaminess. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts also works well.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Tuscan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are classic choices, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just keep the cooking time in mind as it might vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is. This recipe contains no meat or seafood, but it does include dairy, so it’s perfect for lacto-vegetarians.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain that cheesy note.
What can I add to make this dish heartier?
Consider stirring in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms to bulk it up. All of these additions complement the flavors nicely without overpowering the Tuscan Pasta Recipe’s creaminess.
How spicy is this dish?
This Tuscan Pasta Recipe is not spicy by default. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for subtle heat.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Tuscan Pasta Recipe inspires you to bring a little taste of sun-kissed Italy into your kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal to enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Tuscan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with fresh spinach and Italian seasoning in a luscious cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Sauce and Aromatics
- 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
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook pasta in cream mixture: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine with the aromatics. Add the pasta directly to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook the pasta in the liquid, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Add spinach and cheese: Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt, enriching the sauce and coating the pasta evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference. Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the Tuscan pasta immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can use any long pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti according to your liking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes should be drained well to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking as the pasta cooks directly in the milk and cream sauce.
- Garnishing with fresh basil adds an aromatic freshness that complements the rich sauce.
