Pin it A luscious, comforting pasta dish simmered in a single pot, featuring tender noodles, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a medley of fresh herbs in a velvety garlic cream sauce.
This cozy chicken stew recipe quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 small yellow onion, finely diced 1 cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained) 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
- Liquids: 3 ½ cups (830 ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- Cheese & Herbs: ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix (basil, oregano, thyme) ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion sauté 23 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2:
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 3:
- Add uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, cream, and milk. Stir to submerge the pasta.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1012 minutes or until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Step 5:
- Add spinach and cook for 23 minutes until wilted.
- Step 6:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat. Fold in fresh basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Pin it Making this dish always brings the family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Wooden spoon Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Milk, cheese (dairy), wheat (gluten in pasta) May contain sulfites (in sun-dried tomatoes) Always check product labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540 Total Fat: 24 g Carbohydrates: 62 g Protein: 17 g
Pin it
This pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort without the fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, fettuccine or penne work well, and gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir frequently while simmering to keep the noodles separated and ensure even cooking in the creamy sauce.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans can be folded in for additional protein and heartiness.
- → Is it possible to lighten the cream sauce?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What herbs complement this pasta best?
A mix of dried Italian herbs with fresh basil and parsley brings aromatic depth and freshness to the dish.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine balances the creamy richness beautifully.