One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10 oz penne pasta; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Inspired World Food Favorites

I love whipping up this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta on busy weeknights. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in just a single pot, which means less cleanup. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich creamy sauce makes for a dish that not only tastes gourmet but also satisfies those comfort food cravings. Best of all, it's ready in about 30 minutes, so I never have to sacrifice flavor for convenience!

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:49:35.577Z

Creating this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta was an exciting adventure for me. The idea of cooking everything in one pot intrigued me, and I found that it not only saved time but also allowed the flavors to meld beautifully. The sun-dried tomatoes pair perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce, creating a delightful dish that feels indulgent yet doesn't overwhelm.

As I experimented with this recipe, I realized that using a good quality pasta and fresh spinach really elevates the dish. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests, while being simple enough for a weeknight meal. I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that clings to each noodle
Packed with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach
Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup in just one pot

Perfect Timing for Al Dente Pasta

Achieving the perfect texture in your pasta is crucial for this dish. When cooking the penne, keep an eye on the time—you'll want to simmer it for about 10 minutes. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the full time is up. The goal is al dente, meaning the pasta should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Overcooking will lead to mushy pasta, which can detract from the overall creamy texture of the dish.

As the pasta cooks, you'll notice the sauce thickening and clinging beautifully to each piece. If you find the liquids are evaporating too quickly, feel free to lower the heat slightly. This will give you more control over the cooking process and ensure that your sauce remains luscious and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions and Enhancements

If you're short on time or ingredients, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your pantry. For instance, if you don’t have penne pasta, feel free to swap it with farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness as you approach the 10-minute mark. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile.

For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken. These ingredients will not only enhance the dish but also bring in extra protein. If you want to amp up the nutritional value, toss in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the cooking process for a colorful twist!

Make-Ahead and Storing Tips

This One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta can easily be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prepping. Prepare the dish as instructed but omit adding the spinach and cream until you're ready to serve. Store the cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just before serving, reheat the pasta over low heat, adding the cream and spinach to freshen it up and achieve that creamy texture.

If you want leftovers, consider freezing the dish—but be aware that the cream may separate upon thawing. To prevent this, you might want to use a freezer-safe container and store it without adding the heavy cream. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove, adding the cream slowly until everything is well combined and creamy again.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious pasta dish:

Ingredients

10 oz penne pasta
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

These ingredients will yield a delightful pasta dish that's sure to please!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta:

Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn't burn.

Add Ingredients

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, pasta, vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and add the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.

Finish with Parmesan

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will contrast beautifully with the richness of the dish, making for a balanced meal. For a complete dining experience, serve it alongside toasted garlic bread or a selection of baked focaccia. The crispy texture will complement the creamy pasta wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy every last drop of sauce.

If you’re feeling especially festive, finish off your meal with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish. This addition not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh, herbal note that can brighten the overall flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making creamy pasta is the sauce becoming too thick. If this happens, you can easily remedy the situation by adding a bit more vegetable broth or cream to loosen it up. Stir continuously over low heat until the desired consistency is achieved. To prevent this from happening again, keep an eye on the liquid levels while the pasta cooks. If it seems to be absorbing too much liquid, a gentle addition of broth can help maintain that creamy texture.

Another thing to watch for is the possibility of the pasta clumping together as it cools. If you’re making this in advance, slightly undercook the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil after draining. This will coat the pasta and help prevent sticking. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the sauce for that ideal creamy consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite pasta shape, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth. Just ensure your pasta is also egg-free if you're strictly vegetarian.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheesy alternative.