I’ve got a new dinner winner in my house! Creamy Tuscan pasta has stolen the show, and I’m not mad about it. Picture this: a velvety sauce with a tomato kiss, sun-dried tomatoes adding a pop of flavor, and Parmesan cheese bringing that umami goodness. My family can’t get enough of this dish, and I bet yours will love it too!
Let me tell you, this pasta is a game-changer. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy and tangy that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. The first time I made it, my kids actually asked for seconds. Can you believe it? Vegetables and all! I felt like I’d won the lottery.
I’m all about easy meals that taste like they took hours to make. This one-pot wonder fits the bill perfectly. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your weekly rotation. It’s become such a hit in my house that I’m pretty sure my family would eat it every night if I let them!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Let me share the ingredients that make this pasta so irresistible! First up, we’ve got penne pasta – but feel free to swap in your favorite shape. I’ve used farfalle before and it was chef’s kiss.
For the protein, I go with chicken breasts, but thighs work great too. They’re even juicier!
Now, the star of the show: the creamy sauce. It’s a blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half can pinch-hit.
I toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of flavor. If you’re not a fan, roasted red peppers are a tasty alternative.
Baby spinach adds color and a healthy touch. Kale works too, but I prefer the milder spinach.
Garlic is non-negotiable in my book, but adjust to your taste. And a sprinkle of Italian seasoning ties it all together.
Oh, and a splash of white wine takes it over the top! No wine? No problem – a squeeze of lemon juice adds a similar zing.
Instructions
I start by melting butter in a big pot over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly, I toss in some minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The smell is heavenly!
Next, I pour in heavy cream and milk. It’s like creating a little pool of deliciousness. I sprinkle in some Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Now for the fun part – adding the pasta! I use penne, but any tube pasta works great. I stir it all together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
While it’s cooking, I can’t help but sneak a taste or two. It’s already so yummy!
Once the pasta is al dente, I toss in some spinach and grated Parmesan. The cheese melts and makes everything extra creamy.
Finally, I give it one last stir and serve it up hot. My family always crowds around, forks at the ready!
This creamy Tuscan pasta is so easy to make, but it tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. It’s become our go-to comfort food on busy weeknights.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I’ve got some awesome tips to make this Creamy Tuscan Pasta even more delicious! First up, don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente for the best texture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Want to switch things up? Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. It’s like giving your taste buds a little surprise party!
Now, let’s talk leftovers. I know, I know, who has leftovers of this yummy dish? But just in case:
- Let the pasta cool completely
- Pop it in an airtight container
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days
When you’re ready to reheat, here’s my secret trick: add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta. It brings back that creamy goodness like magic!
Oh, and here’s a fun idea I stumbled upon: try browning the chicken before adding it to the pasta. It adds this amazing flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Remember, cooking is all about having fun. So don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Who knows? You might create the next family favorite!