Name: One Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained); 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat; Optional: chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe combines bold, savory ingredients in a way that feels indulgent but doesn’t take much effort. Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, and the pasta absorbs all the flavor as it simmers in the sauce. It’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and full of Tuscan-inspired flair. When I want something hearty, satisfying, and fast—this is the recipe I turn to.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti
olive oil
garlic cloves (minced)
onion (finely chopped)
sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
chicken broth
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
baby spinach
salt
black pepper
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh basil (for garnish)

directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. I sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and soft—about 2–3 minutes.
I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute to release their flavor.
I add the uncooked spaghetti, chicken broth, and cream directly into the pot. I make sure the pasta is mostly submerged, then bring everything to a simmer.
I cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add the spinach and let it wilt into the hot pasta.
I season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat. Before serving, I sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when I want something hearty with minimal fuss.

Variations

When I want to make it more filling, I add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage. I’ve also swapped the spinach for kale or arugula, and used fettuccine or linguine instead of spaghetti. For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream and a plant-based Parmesan substitute. This dish is easy to customize based on whatever I have on hand.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and microwave in short intervals or reheat gently on the stovetop. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the creamy sauce tends to separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, I’ve used whole milk or half-and-half. It won’t be quite as rich, but still creamy. Just simmer it a little longer to help it thicken.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

I stir it frequently in the first few minutes of cooking and make sure it’s well coated in the liquid. As the pasta softens, it becomes easier to manage.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, I sometimes use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed briefly. It changes the flavor but still works well.

Is it spicy with the red pepper flakes?

Only mildly. I control the heat by adding more or less to taste. For no spice at all, I just leave them out.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat additions. It’s still full of flavor thanks to the garlic, cheese, and tomatoes.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Spaghetti is a warm, creamy, and deeply flavorful meal that I can make in just one pot—no mess, no stress. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to for its ease, elegance, and ability to satisfy every craving. Once I try it, it quickly becomes a staple in my dinner rotation.