If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying, the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish blends the perfect amount of savory sausage with a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s brightened by fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite feel like a cozy dinner party on your plate. It’s straightforward to prepare yet feels indulgent and special, perfect for any night when you want dinner to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the pasta providing a comforting base to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes enhancing the sauce’s color and flavor, every ingredient contributes to creating a perfectly balanced dish.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ridges in penne catch the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Adds hearty, savory richness that makes the dish truly satisfying.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture that defines this pasta’s lusciousness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly, adding depth without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle, aromatic punch that complements the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings an herby warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups chopped spinach: Gives a fresh, green contrast and an extra boost of nutrients.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Offers a sweet-tart burst of flavor and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of water and cooking your penne pasta until it’s just al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a tiny bit of bite. This is crucial because the pasta will continue soaking up the sauce later on, so avoid overcooking it now. Once done, drain it thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
In a spacious skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink in the center. This step releases the sausage’s flavorful fats which later mingle with the sauce. After cooking, transfer the sausage out of the skillet and set it aside to keep warm. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if there’s a lot.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy sauce
Without cleaning the skillet, pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese while whisking the mixture over medium-high heat. Keep stirring gently until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety texture. This sauce is the heart of your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe and gives the dish its signature richness.
Step 4: Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the spinach to wilt down and the tomatoes to soften. This step adds wonderful color contrasts and layers of flavor that prevent the dish from feeling heavy. Simmer for a couple of minutes until everything comes together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Stir everything well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce, dotted with savory sausage, and flecked with greens and tomatoes. Heat everything through for a minute or two. Your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top not only adds a fresh pop of color but also enhances the aromatic profile. A little extra grated Parmesan cheese never hurts either, for those who love an even cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make excellent companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet, passing it around the table. If making it for guests, plate individual servings with a delicate drizzle of olive oil and a few sun-dried tomato slices artistically placed on top to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Give it a good stir before storing to maintain an even coating of the sauce throughout.
Freezing
This pasta is better enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and keep for up to two months. Just note that the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its silky texture. Avoid the microwave which can sometimes make the sauce separate or the pasta rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage works beautifully here, whether spicy or sweet, or you can even try chicken sausage for a lighter twist. Just make sure it’s ground so it incorporates well into the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and extra spinach for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe.
What pasta can I use instead of penne?
Feel free to swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. The key is to pick a pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of heat is mild, mainly coming from the seasoning in the sausage and the sun-dried tomatoes’ tang. To add a kick, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and downright delicious about the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feel fancy without requiring a ton of effort, perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests. I hope you give it a try soon – the creamy sauce, savory sausage, and fresh greens make an unbeatable combination that’s impossible not to love.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious cream sauce with savory ground sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This easy-to-make recipe combines Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
Sausage
- 1 pound ground sausage
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sausage and sauce.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is fully browned and no longer pink in the center, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk the mixture over medium-high heat continuously until the sauce thickens, which typically takes several minutes. This will create a rich and creamy base for the pasta.
- Finish Dish: Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the thickened sauce and let them simmer until the spinach wilts, stirring occasionally. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Stir everything together and cook for another few minutes until the pasta is fully heated through and well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly tangy sweetness; if unavailable, roasted red peppers can be used as a substitute.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for best flavor and texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
