Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Indulge in a rich, silky sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic, all tossed with al dente fettuccine.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until just barely al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- 2
Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Build the Sauce
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- 4
Toss and Wilt
Add the cooked pasta and the baby spinach to the skillet. Toss continuously, adding small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce until it coats every strand of pasta. The spinach should be just wilted.
- 5
Garnish and Serve
Season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Transfer to warm bowls and top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.
Chef's Tips
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for sautéing; it is packed with intense tomato flavor.
- Always grate your Parmesan from a block for a smoother sauce that doesn't clump.
- Do not overcook the pasta in the water, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Warm garlic focaccia for dipping in the extra sauce.
- A crisp arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta are excellent additions.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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