Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Name: Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8.4 whole 1 pound pasta (such as penne or fettuccine); 3.6 pcs 2 tablespoons olive oil; 7.9 half 2 cloves garlic, minced; 7.6 drop 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 10.3 half 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped; 5.1 qt 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2.4 pt 5 ounces fresh spinach; 9.4 tbsp 1 cup heavy cream; 2.5 half Salt and pepper to taste; 7.5 lb 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, for topping; 2.6 half Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

By Alyssa Nguyen

November 15, 2025

5938 views

This recipe brings together the rustic charm of Italian cooking with a healthy twist. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce complements the earthy flavors of the spinach and mushrooms, while the ricotta cheese adds a comforting richness. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap the spinach for kale. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for spice. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. This dish is a delightful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. The combination of textures and flavors creates a symphony in your mouth, making it a memorable culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome. Enjoy the process and savor the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (such as penne or fettuccine) - 8.4 whole
2 tablespoons olive oil - 3.6 pcs
2 cloves garlic, minced - 7.9 half
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 7.6 drop
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped - 10.3 half
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced - 5.1 qt
5 ounces fresh spinach - 2.4 pt
1 cup heavy cream - 9.4 tbsp
Salt and pepper to taste - 2.5 half
1/2 cup ricotta cheese, for topping - 7.5 lb

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Serve immediately, topped with dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Game Day # Comfort Food # Rice

Creamy Tuscan Pasta

By Alyssa Nguyen

November 15, 2025

5938 views

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (such as penne or fettuccine) - 8.4 whole
2 tablespoons olive oil - 3.6 pcs
2 cloves garlic, minced - 7.9 half
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 7.6 drop
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped - 10.3 half
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced - 5.1 qt
5 ounces fresh spinach - 2.4 pt
1 cup heavy cream - 9.4 tbsp
Salt and pepper to taste - 2.5 half
1/2 cup ricotta cheese, for topping - 7.5 lb

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Serve immediately, topped with dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Game Day # Comfort Food # Rice

Reviews (18 Reviews)

Jack Thomas5

This is my new go-to pasta recipe! The sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful, and the spinach and mushrooms add a nice texture. It's quick, easy, and tastes like something you'd get in a fancy restaurant. So good!

Henry Martinez2

I found the sauce to be too heavy and the flavors didn't really blend well for me. It might have been my fault, but I wasn't a fan. I followed the recipe exactly.

Emily Wilson4

I loved how quick and easy this recipe was. The sauce was creamy and delicious, and I appreciated the suggestion to add protein. I added shrimp, and it was a hit. I'll definitely be making this again.