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Creamy Tuscan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy tuscan pasta with sun-dried tomatoes - featured image
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A rich and velvety pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape
  • 1/2 cup (about 80 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained, reserve some oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups (about 90 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus reserved sun-dried tomato oil for sautéing)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil plus 1 tablespoon reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using; cook for another minute until garlic is golden but not burnt.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes to release flavor.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional) and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until most liquid evaporates.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and slowly stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Warm through without boiling.
  7. Gradually add 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Add 3 cups chopped fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached (usually 1/4 to 1/2 cup).
  10. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley.
  11. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente as it will soften further in the sauce. Keep the cream sauce warm but avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Add Parmesan gradually to ensure smooth melting. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan enhance flavor significantly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, Italian recipe, fettuccine, comfort food

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-tuscan-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/