One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and creamy Italian pasta dish cooked in one pot, blending garlic, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan for effortless comfort food. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, minced, sundried tomatoes, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup heavy cream, and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful pasta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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