Description

Rich, creamy, and bursting with Tuscan flavors, this pasta is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With tangy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and velvety sauce, it’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

300g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
150g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
400g fresh tomatoes, diced (or canned tomatoes)
200ml heavy cream (or plant-based alternative)
100g grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the fresh tomatoes soften and break down.
Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in the cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Wilt the Spinach: Toss in the spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt into the sauce. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

1️⃣ Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. Its starchiness helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and ensures it clings beautifully to the pasta.

2️⃣ Avoid High Heat for the Sauce: To prevent the cream from curdling, cook the sauce over low to medium heat and add the cream slowly while stirring gently.

3️⃣ Customize Freely: This recipe is incredibly versatile! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein, or toss in additional veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to suit your preferences.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min