If you are looking for a dish that brings a burst of flavor and creamy comfort to your dinner table, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich sausage, tender penne, and a luscious sauce loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes come together perfectly in this dish. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that is deceptively simple to make, yet offers an impressive depth of taste that will make it a new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building bold flavors and satisfying textures. From the hearty sausage to the fresh spinach, every element complements the other, culminating in a sauce that is creamy, savory, and just a little bit tangy.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the sauce with every bite.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Choose your favorite variety, spicy or mild, for rich, meaty goodness.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Provides the creamy base that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances flavor with a gentle garlic kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups chopped spinach: Brings a fresh, vibrant, and slightly earthy note.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Infuses a sweet, tangy burst that brightens the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once tender yet firm, drain the pasta and set it aside—this simple step sets the stage for your sauce to cling beautifully to every piece.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it loses all its pink color and gets a lovely golden brown. This step not only cooks the meat thoroughly but also releases flavorful drippings that will enrich your sauce. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
Using the same skillet to soak up all those delicious sausage flavors, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously over medium-high heat to encourage the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken into a velvety, luxurious consistency that is the hallmark of this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Add spinach, tomatoes, sausage, and pasta
Next, stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the spinach wilt gently, infusing the sauce with a fresh, vibrant green color, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a delightful sweet tang. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then fold in the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together and heat through so each bite bursts with those classic Tuscan flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil makes an excellent finishing touch, offering a pop of fresh color and brightness that complements the creamy sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider grating a little more Parmesan on top right before serving for that iconic cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the main dish. Garlic bread or warm focaccia bread also rounds out the meal nicely, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with whole sun-dried tomato slices and a sprig of herb for elegance. Alternatively, layer the pasta in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a golden crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more after a day, making leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well, though the cream sauce might slightly change texture when thawed. To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture during reheating. Avoid microwaving on high heat to maintain the sauce’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and offers a leaner alternative while still providing tasty flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure it is fully cooked.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes is best for this recipe?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are preferred because they are softer and more flavorful, but dried ones rehydrated in warm water also work fine.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. Ensure your chicken broth and sausage are also gluten-free to keep the entire meal safe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is this dish, and can it be adjusted?
The spiciness depends on the sausage you choose. For more heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For mild flavor, stick to sweet sausage or chicken sausage varieties.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, flavorful hug. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that delivers layers of taste in every forkful, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I’m confident once you make it, it will become one of those beloved dishes you keep coming back to time and again. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender ground sausage with a luscious cream-based sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with nutritious spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that serves six generously.
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
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the thickened sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the spinach has wilted completely.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully coated and heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; drain them if preferred.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best sauce texture and flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
