One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe

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January 3, 2026

This one-pan creamy Tuscan pasta is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Imagine tender noodles coated in a silky garlic cream sauce with hints of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach all cooked together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something restaurant-worthy without the extra dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One pan, zero mess
  • Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with Tuscan flavor
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Family-friendly comfort food
  • Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or sausage

Preparation and Cooking Time

StepTime
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grilled chicken or shrimp

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Stir in spinach and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
  • Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.

FAQ

1. How long does creamy pasta last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

2. What are some variations of Tuscan pasta?
You can add mushrooms, artichokes, or even roasted peppers. Swap proteins to keep it fresh.

3. What cream do I need for creamy pasta?
Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but half-and-half or evaporated milk works too.

4. What is traditional Tuscan pasta?
Traditional Tuscan pasta often features simple, rustic ingredients like olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan minimal but bold flavors.

Conclusion

This one-pan creamy Tuscan pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Quick to make, easy to clean up, and absolutely delicious it’s sure to become a weeknight

favorite.

Print
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One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe


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  • Author: Laura Jennings

Description

Creamy, garlicky, and made in one pan — this Tuscan pasta is pure comfort with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups chicken broth

½ cup Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in skillet.

2. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté.

3. Pour in broth and cream; simmer.

4. Add pasta; cook until tender.

5. Stir in spinach and Parmesan; season and serve.

Notes

Swap cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. Store leftovers 3 days.

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