Start your March off with a comforting, restaurant-style pasta dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Our Creamy Tuscan Pasta combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a meal the whole family will love. Add chicken or Italian sausage for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or Italian sausage
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency. Toss in cooked pasta and protein, coating evenly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavor. Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different twist. Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.