Description
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan pasta recipe featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender linguine with a luscious, creamy sauce seasoned with Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oils and Butter: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Sauté together for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream, Milk, and Pasta: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then add the pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Cook until the pasta is al dente, typically about 12-15 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use your preferred long pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for best results.
- Keep stirring the pasta regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning at the end since Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a lovely herbal aroma and color contrast.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk or use a lower-fat dairy option.
