If you are a fan of rich, satisfying pasta dishes that bring comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite, then this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Packed with hearty sausage, vibrant spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce made creamy with Parmesan and heavy cream, every forkful feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect blend of rustic Italian flavors that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without fuss. This recipe balances savory, creamy, and tangy elements effortlessly, ensuring everyone at your table will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s inviting flavor and pleasing texture, from the tender pasta carrying the sauce to the juicy sausage that adds savory depth.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce with every bite.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Adds a rich, meaty flair that makes the dish satisfyingly hearty.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that indulgently silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce just enough while boosting flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the dish a subtle warmth and fragrant aroma without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce providing a nutty, salty richness that’s irresistible.
- 2 cups chopped spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and nourishes the dish with mild earthiness.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Lends a sweet, tangy punch that complements the creamy and savory notes beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to keep warm. This step lays the foundation for your dish, as perfectly cooked pasta will soak up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Next, heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Cooking the sausage separately ensures it gets that beautiful caramelized flavor before joining the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and whisk in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until it thickens and becomes smooth. This creamy, cheesy sauce is truly the heart of the recipe and where all the flavors meld together into something magical.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Once the sauce is thickened, add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Let the spinach wilt gently in the sauce, which should take just a few minutes. Then, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together with the cooked pasta until heated through. This final step combines all the components into a harmonious, flavorful dish ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or extra grated Parmesan on top adds that final touch of flavor and presentation. For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, finely chopped fresh basil or parsley works wonders, brightening the dish both visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are excellent to help scoop up any leftover sauce, making every bite extra satisfying and fulfilling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl garnished with a few whole sun-dried tomatoes and some fresh herb sprigs. Alternatively, twirl portions onto plates for a restaurant-inspired look and finish with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for a touch of elegance that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, so give it a gentle stir before reheating to help it regain its smooth consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, it is advisable to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing so it does not become mushy when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through to keep the sauce creamy and the flavors fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work beautifully and offer the same satisfying texture.
What if I want to make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for a vegetarian-friendly twist without losing the dish’s savory appeal.
Is it possible to reduce the fat content?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Choosing turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage also reduces fat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can cook the sausage and pasta in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and combine with the freshly prepared sauce for the best flavor and texture.
Why is the sauce sometimes grainy? How do I avoid that?
Graininess usually occurs if the cheese is added to very hot cream too quickly. To keep the sauce smooth, add Parmesan gradually off the boil and stir continuously as it melts slowly into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. It’s cozy, hearty, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Once you make it, you’ll find it becomes a cherished staple in your culinary rotation, perfect to share with family and friends on any day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
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
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, combined with savory ground sausage, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe takes just 40 minutes to prepare and serves six.
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 salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside for later.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
- Prepare Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Whisk the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to thicken, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Finish Dish: Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce in the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer until the spinach is wilted. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Stir everything together and cook until heated through and well combined.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be oil-packed or dry; if dry, rehydrate in warm water before using.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for extra herbaceous flavor.
- To reduce salt, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
