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- 12 oz (340g) pasta options: penne or fusilli - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta. You can use penne or fusilli pasta. Both hold the creamy sauce well. Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps cook your garlic. Minced garlic is key for that aromatic base. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes. Cherry tomatoes give sweetness and color. Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch and nutrition. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Vegetable broth adds depth. Italian seasoning blends herbs for a lovely aroma. Grated Parmesan cheese brings saltiness and creaminess to the sauce. Finally, salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish and add freshness. Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can follow the Full Recipe to create this delightful meal. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Next, add 3 finely minced cloves of garlic. If you like a little heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. The garlic should smell fragrant and turn golden. Now it’s time to add flavor. Stir in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften and release their juices. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Then, stir in your pasta, 12 oz of penne or fusilli works great. Mix everything well, ensuring the pasta gets submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy. Once your pasta is cooked, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your creamy pasta right away. Top it with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. To make a smooth and rich sauce, start by choosing the right pasta. I recommend using penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well and mix nicely. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This helps it stay firm and not mushy. For consistency, use heavy cream. It makes the sauce thick and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can mix in some vegetable broth. This keeps the sauce tasty without making it too heavy. Herbs can change your dish. Fresh herbs add bright flavors. I love using fresh basil in this recipe. It makes the pasta taste fresh and vibrant. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger. You need less of them. Want some heat? Red pepper flakes can spice things up. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like it spicier. This gives your creamy sauce a nice kick! If you want to dive deeper into the Full Recipe, be sure to check it out. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Adding cooked chicken or shrimp boosts flavor and fills you up. Just toss them in at the end to warm through. If you prefer plant-based options, consider chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and texture without meat. - Cooked chicken: Shred or cube it and stir into the pasta. - Shrimp: Use cooked shrimp for a quick addition. - Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add protein and fiber. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, diced and sautéed until golden. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? It's easy! Substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream. This keeps the dish creamy while being dairy-free. For cheese alternatives, try nutritional yeast or a vegan cream cheese. This way, everyone at the table can enjoy it. - Coconut cream: Use full-fat coconut milk for richness. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a smooth texture. - Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Vegan cream cheese: Mix it in for a creamy finish. Feel free to get creative with these variations. You can make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta fit your taste and needs! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta fresh, use an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and flavor. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait too long, the pasta may dry out or lose its taste. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave, but cover the dish to hold in steam. This helps keep the pasta moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again! For this dish, I recommend using penne or fusilli pasta. Both types hold sauce well. Penne has a smooth surface, while fusilli has curves that catch every drop. You want a pasta that can soak up the creamy sauce. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free! Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These options cook well and provide great taste. Look for brands that offer gluten-free pasta shapes similar to penne or fusilli. To add some heat, include more red pepper flakes. You can also use diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust until you reach your desired spice level. Absolutely! You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead. Just store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. This makes meal prep easy and quick. You can find the Full Recipe for One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta within this post. It has all the details you need to create this delicious dish. Enjoy cooking! This blog post showed how to make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta with simple steps. We covered the key ingredients and easy cooking methods. You learned tips for a perfect sauce and how to customize it. I also shared storage tips and answers to common questions. This dish is fun to make and share. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that you love. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this pasta will impress everyone at the table.

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe! Bursting with flavors from fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a delightful creamy sauce, this easy meal takes just 25 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a sure crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli are great choices)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot, sautéing for approximately 1 minute until the garlic is golden and fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.

      Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to release their juices and start to soften.

        Pour in the pasta along with the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the mixture.

          Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, cover the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked al dente, and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.

            Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, gently fold in the fresh baby spinach and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

              Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

                Serve the creamy pasta immediately, topped with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aromatic flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: To enhance your dish’s appeal, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, and placing a few extra basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy your culinary creation!