Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Short Description

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich, indulgent dish featuring juicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy with bold Tuscan flavors
• One-pan recipe—easy cleanup
• **Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights
• Customizable with different proteins and veggies
• Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta:

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy), crumbled
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, diced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Butter
• Olive oil

Seasoning & Spices:

• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Italian seasoning

For Garnish (Optional):

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned (5–7 minutes).
3. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
2. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Stir in spinach until wilted.
2. Return the cooked sausage to the pan.
3. Add drained pasta and mix well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
2. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Tuscan Pasta: Swap sausage for grilled or shredded chicken.
• Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or scallops instead of sausage.
• Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pasta—add fresh pasta when reheating).
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Slice and brown it before adding to the sauce.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer, or add a little more Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce separately and mix with fresh pasta before serving.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement it well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace sausage with mushrooms, chickpeas, or plant-based sausage.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Use extra heavy cream and Parmesan, or stir in cream cheese.

Can I add white wine?

Yes! Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine before adding broth.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Use mild sausage and skip the red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners. With its creamy Parmesan sauce, savory sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home!

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