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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

creamy tuscan garlic pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan garlic pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your favorite long pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well too)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 120 g), washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and stir frequently, letting it turn fragrant and lightly golden—about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute to release their oils and mingle with the garlic.
  4. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Then add 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes, keeping heat low to avoid curdling.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add 4 cups chopped fresh spinach, stirring until wilted (a few minutes). Mix in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan until melted and silky.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Slow toasting garlic on low heat is key to mellow flavor; avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Reheat leftovers gently with broth or cream to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan garlic pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food