If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta coated in a luscious sauce, where savory Italian sausage meets tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together with a velvety cream and Parmesan base. Every bite bursts with a harmony of textures and tastes that make this dish feel special while still being wonderfully simple to prepare. It truly is a celebration of classic Italian-American flavors in a single skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the hearty Italian sausage that adds a savory depth, to the sun-dried tomatoes lending bursts of brightness and color, these simple pantry staples come together to create something spectacular.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear on the sausage and a silky base for the sauce.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds rich, meaty flavor – mild or spicy works depending on your mood.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained): Deliver tangy, concentrated tomato goodness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that indulgently rich and creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and keeps the sauce smooth and silky.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups baby spinach: A fresh, green boost that wilts perfectly into the warm sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish): Adds a fragrant herbal note and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente, because the pasta will finish cooking a bit in the sauce. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining because this starchy liquid is going to help adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly later on.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning the sausage really deepens the flavor and adds a satisfying texture, so don’t rush this step. Cook until it’s no longer pink and nicely caramelized in spots.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them around for about a minute until you can smell that fragrant garlicky-spicy aroma filling your kitchen. This is where the flavor builds in layers.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Next up are the sun-dried tomatoes, which you’ll cook with the sausage and aromatics for a couple of minutes. This step lets their rich, tangy sweetness meld in and bloom, balancing the savory sausage beautifully.
Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, thickening it slightly and adding that luxurious, velvety texture that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Spinach
Finally, add the cooked pasta and baby spinach straight into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat each piece of pasta and wilt the spinach just right. If the sauce feels too thick, add your reserved pasta water little by little until you get the perfect silky finish. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a simple but stunning way to add a burst of fresh herbal aroma and a splash of green color on top. If you want to step it up a notch, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving never hurts.
Side Dishes
This creamy, flavor-packed pasta pairs brilliantly with crusty bread to sop up every bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast that balances the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right out of the skillet or twirl the pasta elegantly on warm plates for a restaurant-quality look. Adding vibrant basil on top or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the presentation effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
While the sauce is creamy, it can be frozen if needed. Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the cream sauce. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick, and stir gently to bring back that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine are ideal, feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms to maintain the savory flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately in advance. When ready to serve, combine and warm it on the stove, adding reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.
How spicy is this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe?
The recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes, but feel free to adjust the amount or choose mild sausage if you prefer milder heat.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Definitely! Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though you might lose some of the richness and thickness that heavy cream provides.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests. Once you taste the blend of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll understand why this dish is such a keeper. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a bowl of pure, saucy happiness that your family and friends will love as much as you do.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Featuring penne or fettuccine pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from browned Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan blend, this Italian-American classic is elevated with fresh baby spinach and optional basil garnish. Easy to prepare and customizable with your choice of mild or spicy sausage, it’s a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a green salad.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce and Main
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce slightly thickens and the cheese has melted.
- Toss Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce and allow the spinach to wilt.
- Adjust Consistency and Season: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy sausage pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
