Description
This Tuscan Pasta Recipe features tender pasta tossed in a creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this quick and comforting dish can be made with chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a versatile, satisfying meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans (optional)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (150g) sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped if packed in oil)
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Protein: Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. If incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans, stir them in now and heat through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, stirring well to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor but should be drained well to avoid excess oiliness.
