One-Pot Tuscan Pasta (Printable Version)

Creamy one-pot Tuscan pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of white wine—ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables

02 - 5 oz baby spinach
03 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids

08 - 1/2 cup dry white wine
09 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant without browning.
03 - Stir in the drained, sliced sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute to release their flavor.
04 - Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and bring to a gentle simmer; let it reduce for 2 to 3 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and flavors concentrate.
05 - Add the uncooked pasta, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged.
06 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
07 - Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and the baby spinach. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
08 - Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and fully integrated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Portion into bowls and, if desired, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The one-pot method means fewer dirty dishes and so much flavor mingling as everything cooks together.
  • I keep making it because the creamy sauce clings to every twist of pasta and the leftovers are almost better the next day.
02 -
  • Once I forgot to keep stirring while the pasta simmered and a glorious crust formed at the bottom—not recommended unless you like crispy bits.
  • Swapping out the cream for a lighter option makes the sauce thinner but still comforting, just don’t skip the cheese at the end.
03 -
  • Add the spinach right at the end so it stays bright and tender rather than mushy.
  • A splash more wine just before serving lifts the flavors in a way that always surprises me.
Go Back