If you are on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious meal, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce loaded with savory ground sausage, vibrant spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all tied together with a creamy Parmesan-infused blend. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy any night of the week, whether it’s a cozy dinner for the family or an impressive but easy meal to share with friends. This recipe balances hearty flavors and creamy textures in such a way that every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple and accessible ingredients is the first step toward creating something truly spectacular. Each component here plays a crucial role, from the savory sausage that brings depth to the dish, to the creamy sauce that makes it sing with flavor and smoothness. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add both color and bursts of freshness, making this recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: A perfect pasta shape for holding on to the creamy sauce on every bite.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Choose spicy or mild depending on your preference; it sets the hearty savory base.
- 2 cups heavy cream: This is the star that creates the rich and velvety sauce your palate will adore.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and helps thicken the sauce with its natural saltiness.
- 2 cups chopped spinach: Fresh greens that soften and add a healthy touch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Provides tangy sweetness and texture contrast that elevates the dish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt it—seasoning your pasta water is key to flavor. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready when you combine everything in the later steps.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, and the sausage is beautifully golden and succulent. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to be reunited with the rest of the ingredients shortly.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Keeping the skillet on medium-high heat, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then add the Parmesan cheese. Whisk all these ingredients together continuously, allowing the sauce to slowly thicken into a smooth and dreamy consistency. This step is crucial—patience here means that heavenly creamy texture we all crave.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Combine
Now, toss in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently as the spinach wilts and the tomatoes release their tangy flavor. Once the veggies have softened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Finally, add in the drained penne pasta, mixing until every bit is coated with the luscious sauce and warmed through to perfection.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and a little extra Parmesan on top. A small handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley can add a fresh herbal note and bright green color that makes your dish look as good as it tastes. These little touches bring a vibrant finish and extra aroma to your pasta plate.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil to balance the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also makes an excellent companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch. You can also present it family-style in a large serving dish surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board to complement the meal’s rustic Italian roots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but since it’s cream-based, it’s best to freeze before adding the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Store the cooked sausage, sauce, and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the fresh vegetables.
Reheating
Warm leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheating slowly helps keep the sauce silky without separating or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne is classic for this dish because it holds the sauce nicely, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle make excellent alternatives that work beautifully with the creamy texture.
Is it possible to use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and still adds wonderful flavor. Just be mindful it may release a bit less fat, so your sauce might be slightly less rich, which you can balance by adding a touch more cream.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or add more mushrooms and roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while still packing tons of flavor.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are preferred for their softness and richness, but dried ones rehydrated in warm water work just fine too. The oil-packed version brings extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, whisk in a small teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water for an instant thickening boost without altering the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is a celebration of comforting, bold Italian-inspired flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, it’s bound to win hearts with its creamy sauce and hearty, fresh ingredients. Give it a try and soon you’ll be dreaming up reasons to make it again and again!
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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
A rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta combining savory ground sausage, tender penne pasta, and a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, all brightened with fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
Meat
- 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
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the mixture constantly over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Finish Dish: Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, and simmer until the spinach wilts. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Finally, add the drained pasta and mix everything well, heating through before serving.
Notes
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using a spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- The sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful tangy sweetness; if you cannot find them, roasted red peppers can be a substitute.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
