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
Scale
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
