I wanted to create a dish that featured those classic and tasty Italian flavours and was also really feasibly for a weeknight dinner. 

You’ve probably realized by now that all of my pasta dishes are incredibly simple to make and don’t require a ton of ingredients. The goal is to create elevated dishes that are cooked simply with good quality ingredients.

I highly recommend using some good quality canned tomatoes for this dish! These are the San Marzano ones from Trader Joe’s. 

My 9 month old has been realllyyyyy into pasta lately and he was a big fan of this recipe. Not sure if he liked the sauce more or the pasta shape more but it was a win that I’ll take. By the way, the fun pasta shape is called Quattrotoni – The Sporkful Collection from SFOGLINI.

If you like this dish you also may like:

Spicy Vodka Pasta with Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Garlic Confit Pasta alla Vodka

Creamy Lemon Basil Shrimp Pasta

Spotlight on San Marzano Tomatoes:

What are San Marzano Tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes, known for their elongated shape and sweet, less acidic flavor. Originating from the small town of San Marzano sul Sarno, near Naples, Italy, these tomatoes are grown in volcanic soil at the base of Mount Vesuvius. This unique growing environment makes for its distinct quality and flavour and they are veryyyy popular around the world.

Why Use San Marzano Tomatoes in Creamy Tuscan Pasta?

The choice of tomato can significantly influence the taste of a pasta dish. In our Creamy Tuscan Pasta, San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for several reasons:

1. Rich Flavor: San Marzanos have a richer, sweeter, and less acidic taste compared to regular tomatoes. This sweetness balances beautifully with the creamy and savory elements of the dish.
2. Less Seeds and Firmer Texture: These tomatoes have fewer seeds and a firmer, meatier texture, making them ideal for creating a thicker, more substantial sauce without the need for added thickeners.
3. Authentic Italian Taste: Using San Marzano tomatoes brings you closer to that authentic Italian culinary taste!

Taste Difference Compared to Other Canned Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes stand out from other canned tomatoes in several ways:

• Sweetness: They are naturally sweeter and less acidic, which means there’s no need to add sugar to balance the acidity often found in other canned tomatoes.
• Texture: They are less watery and have a denser, meatier texture, which contributes to a more robust sauce.
• Colour: San Marzanos have a deep red colour, which gives the sauce a vibrant and appealing appearance.

How to make Creamy Tuscan Pasta:

Let’s go step-by-step and dig into how to make this perfect plate of pasta:

Step One:

Finely mince 1 shallot and 3 cloves of garlic.

Step Two:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, heavily salt and add 1 lb of pasta of your choice.

Step Three:

In a separate pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil. Let this heat up and then add the minced shallot and garlic. Sautée for 2 minutes until softened but don’t brown.

Step Four:

Add a can of good quality whole peeled tomatoes. Season with salt, stir, and let these cook for a few minutes. Smash the tomatoes with a fork so the sauce comes together. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step Five:

Add heavy cream and spinach and stir until combined. Raise the heat to medium-high, bring the al dente pasta directly into the sauce pan and stir to combine. Add some of the starchy pasta water and continue to stir and let this come together for a minute or two.

Step Six:

Serve with grated parmesan.

Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Tomatoes: If San Marzano tomatoes aren’t available, any good quality whole peeled tomatoes will work.
• Spinach: Kale or arugula can be a great alternative.

How to store the Creamy Tuscan Pasta:

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tips & Tricks for the Creamy Tuscan Pasta:

• Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining. The starchy water is key to creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
• Tomato Texture: For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan makes a world of difference compared to pre-grated varieties.

If you end up trying this recipe out, please tag me @britacooks on social media so I can see your lovely creations!