One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic

Featured in: One-Pan Weeknight Bake Suppers

This comforting one-pot dish combines tender pasta with a creamy garlic sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Spinach adds a vibrant touch, while Parmesan melts into the sauce creating a velvety texture. Prepared easily in under 30 minutes, this Italian-inspired creation balances rich flavors and soothing textures perfect for a satisfying meal.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:48:00 GMT
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, a warm dish with creamy sauce, fresh basil garnish. Save to Pinterest
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, a warm dish with creamy sauce, fresh basil garnish. | laurelcrust.com

A luscious, comforting pasta dish simmered in a single pot, featuring tender noodles, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of fresh herbs in a velvety garlic cream sauce.

I first made this pasta when I needed a quick weeknight dinner and it instantly became a family favorite for its creamy texture and vibrant herbs.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 1 cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes julienned (oil packed drained), 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
  • Liquids: 3 ½ cups (830 ml) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • Cheese & Herbs: ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil oregano thyme), ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil chopped, 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven heat olive oil over medium heat Add garlic and onion sauté 2 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent
Step 2:
Stir in sun dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute
Step 3:
Add uncooked pasta vegetable broth cream and milk Stir to submerge the pasta
Step 4:
Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs salt and pepper Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low Simmer uncovered stirring frequently for 10 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce
Step 5:
Add spinach and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted
Step 6:
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens
Step 7:
Remove from heat Fold in fresh basil and parsley Adjust seasoning as needed
Step 8:
Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| laurelcrust.com

This dish always brings my family together around the table especially on busy nights when comfort food is needed most

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein or substitute gluten free pasta to keep it gluten free.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.

A steaming bowl of One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, showcasing sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Herb Pasta, showcasing sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. | laurelcrust.com
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This recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite—perfect for any pasta lover seeking an easy homemade meal.

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic

Velvety garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs, simmered with tender pasta.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
20 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Recipe by Scarlett Jenkins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Portions 4 Servings

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz fettuccine or penne

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned, oil-packed and drained
05 3 cups baby spinach

Liquids

01 3 ½ cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 ½ cup whole milk

Cheese & Herbs

01 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tsp dried Italian herb blend (basil, oregano, thyme)
03 ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
04 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
05 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasonings

01 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté garlic and onion: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 02

Cook sun-dried tomatoes: Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.

Step 03

Combine pasta and liquids: Add the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and whole milk. Stir to ensure pasta is fully submerged.

Step 04

Simmer pasta mixture: Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces to a creamy consistency.

Step 05

Add spinach: Incorporate the baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.

Step 06

Incorporate cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 07

Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat and fold in fresh chopped basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 08

Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Awareness

Always check each ingredient for possible allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains milk, cheese (dairy), and wheat (gluten from pasta). May contain sulfites present in sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For your reference only—don’t take this as medical advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Proteins: 17 g