Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this Creamy Tuscan Pasta. Perfectly al dente penne is tossed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with aromatic garlic, fresh cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. Finished with a touch of freshly grated Parmesan, this Italian-inspired dish provides a sophisticated flavor profile while remaining simple enough for any busy weeknight. It is a reliable, comforting classic that satisfies cravings in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the cream sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 1 additional minute, tossing constantly, then serve warm.
Notes
Ensure you use heavy cream rather than milk to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can substitute penne with rotini or rigatoni if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 14gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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