15-Minute Creamy Tuscan Spinach Pasta
15-Minute Creamy Tuscan Spinach Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines vibrant spinach with rich, velvety cream and Parmesan cheese. This satisfying dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impromptu gathering with friends. Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté garlic: In a separate pan over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss with pasta: Combine drained pasta into the creamy sauce, mixing thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Garnish & serve: Top with toasted pine nuts if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Use fresh spinach for optimal flavor and texture. Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente for the best results. Customize by adding sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flair.