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: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh spinach; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Global World Food Favorites

I love whipping up this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta when I'm in the mood for something comforting yet easy to prepare. In just under thirty minutes, I can enjoy a rich, creamy dish that brings together the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s a one-pot wonder that will satisfy my cravings without leaving me with a mountain of dishes. Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekday meal that feels special without much fuss.

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:45:35.636Z

When I first made this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The sun-dried tomatoes add a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat, while the cream gives it that luscious texture I crave. I experimented with adding fresh spinach last time, which not only made it healthier but also brightened up the dish.

One tip I learned is to use high-quality pasta and let it absorb the creamy sauce for a few minutes at the end. It really makes a difference in the overall taste and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the single-pot method cuts down on cleanup time, allowing me to enjoy the meal even more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy flavors with a hint of garlic
Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup
Versatile for adding your favorite vegetables or proteins

Understanding the Ingredients

The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta creates a unique flavor profile that is rich and aromatic. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated sweetness and a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dish. If you're looking for a deeper flavor, consider using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, as the oil can be incorporated into the dish for added richness.

Fresh spinach not only adds a vibrant green color, but it also contributes a subtle earthiness to the dish. As it wilts into the pasta, it softens and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce, ensuring you receive a healthy dose of nutrients without compromising taste. If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach is a convenient substitute—just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the mix.

Tips for Creamy Perfection

Achieving the right consistency for the creamy sauce is key; you want it to be thick enough to coat the pasta but not so thick that it overpowers the dish. If you find that your sauce becomes too thick while cooking, simply stir in more broth or cream until you reach the desired creaminess. I usually have additional broth on hand when preparing this recipe, just in case adjustments are needed.

To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese gradually. This prevents clumping and allows it to melt evenly into the sauce. Make sure to remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheese, as adding it while still on the burner can cause the cheese to seize up and lose its creamy texture.

Serving and Variations

This One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta is delicious on its own, but feel free to customize it! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions. If you choose to add protein, be sure to cook it separately and mix it in during the final steps of the recipe to keep the dish balanced and ensure even cooking. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also brightens the flavors beautifully.

For those watching their carbs, you can substitute the penne pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives. Just be mindful of the cooking time as different pasta varieties may require adjustments. Additionally, I love adding seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra color and nutrition; simply sauté them before adding the pasta to ensure they’re tender.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious One Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta:

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have everything ready, we can start cooking!

Instructions

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

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, combine the penne pasta, heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Add Garlic and Spinach

Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan on top.

That's it! Now you're ready to enjoy your creamy pasta dish.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage along with the spinach. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This dish is a fantastic candidate for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld after cooking, often making leftovers even more delicious. Just reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

If you’d like to freeze it, this recipe can be frozen for up to two months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Since pasta can get mushy after freezing, it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta during the initial preparation to maintain a pleasant texture upon reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pasta turns out gummy, you may have overcooked it. Make sure to stir occasionally while it simmers, and keep an eye on the suggested cooking time. Taste test the pasta just before the timer goes off to ensure it maintains a firm texture. Should you notice clumps of cheese, it’s likely due to adding it to a hot pot. As mentioned earlier, always remove the pot from the heat before mixing in cheese for a smoother sauce.

In case the dish isn't flavorful enough, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or adjusting the salt and pepper to your taste. For a more robust flavor, mixing in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar just before serving can add great depth to the creamy sauce. This flexibility allows you to make each batch of pasta uniquely tailored to your palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it on the stove. Just add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple side salad or garlic bread would complement this dish wonderfully!