Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe

A fork is lifting a twirl of Creamy Tuscan Pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese from a white plate.

Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a delicious dish that's simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. With key ingredients like garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, it's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The rich, creamy sauce paired with hearty pasta makes it a satisfying choice for any mealtime.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe [btn-google-source]

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: tuscan pasta

Servings:

Calories: 625kcal

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti pasta or your favorite noodle
8 ounces garlic and herb cream cheese
5 ounces fresh spinach
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes drained from oil
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley to garnish
Extra parmesan cheese optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions, and save 1 cup of pasta water.
1 pound spaghetti pasta
Heat a large skillet to medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons olive oil, once heated.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
4 cloves garlic
Add spinach and allow to wilt, then add the sun-dried tomatoes.
5 ounces fresh spinach, ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add cream cheese and heavy cream, until the cheese has melted, stirring constantly, to prevent burning. Then add the parmesan cheese and stir to melt.
8 ounces garlic and herb cream cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Once everything is melted into a sauce, add the spaghetti and gently toss everything to coat. Add pasta water as necessary to help coat the noodles.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese on top.
Fresh parsley, Extra parmesan cheese
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Cheese: While garlic and herb cream cheese adds a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with different types of soft cheeses for new tastes.

Dairy-Free Alternatives: I absolutely love using Kite Hill or Boursin instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free version. They don’t make an 8 oz quantity, so I recommend using ½ cup more milk or cream. I would use light coconut milk with 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to replace the heavy cream. The ACV helps to dampen the flavor of the coconut milk. In place of parmesan cheese, you could use Violife parmesan, or Follow Your Heart. Another option is to use ¼ cup of nutritional yeast (nooch), to give that umami flavor to this dish.

Boost the Veggies: Don't hesitate to toss in additional vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Protein Additions: Elevate this dish by adding grilled chicken breasts or pan-seared chicken thighs or shrimp. For a vegetarian twist, chickpeas or white beans make a great protein-rich addition.

Cooking Pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

Garnish: Aside from parsley, you can use fresh basil or chives.

Gluten-free: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like cream cheese, are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Cool and Airtight: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, and use airtight containers to store the pasta in the refrigerator.

Refrigeration: This pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through and the sauce is creamy again.

Nutrition