Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a generous bowl of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. This dish is a celebration of hearty flavors and irresistible creaminess, boasting tender penne pasta, savory sausage, wilted spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes all nestled in a velvety parmesan cream sauce. It’s the epitome of indulgence without the fuss, coming together in less than 30 minutes but tasting like you spent all day in the kitchen. If you love meals that deliver both richness and bold Italian flair, you’re going to fall hard for this one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is its straightforward ingredient list, packed with big flavors and vibrant colors. Each component plays a starring role, creating that signature velvety, bold, and savory result.

• 8 ounce penne pasta: Penne’s shape catches all the creamy sauce for that perfect bite every time.
• 1 pound ground sausage: Choose your favorite Italian sausage for rich, meaty flavor and a touch of spice if you like.
• 2 cups heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its dreamy, velvety consistency—don’t skimp here!
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds just the right savory depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers smooth, even garlic flavor without needing to chop cloves.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The dry blend infuses classic herbal notes of basil, oregano, and thyme.
• 1 cup parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and that signature nutty finish.
• 2 cups chopped spinach: Spinach adds freshness, color, and a vegetable boost to the dish.
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes: Their sweet-tart chew brings bursts of flavor and beautiful color contrast.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which means perfectly cooked with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this can come in handy for adjusting the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized crumbles as it cooks. The goal is rich, golden brown sausage with no traces of pink left. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside; this also allows you to control how much fat is left in the pan.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then add all that parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together over medium-high heat until it melds into a lush, creamy sauce—it will thicken slightly as it simmers, so keep an eye on it and keep whisking to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the simmering sauce. Stir gently and let everything cook for a few minutes, just until the spinach is wilting and the tomatoes are plump and glossy. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now, return the browned sausage to the skillet, then add in your cooked pasta. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of penne is coated in sauce and the tasty add-ins are well distributed. If the sauce seems a little too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. Keep everything on the heat just until piping hot, then serve straight away.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

The right garnish can turn your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish. A big shower of freshly grated parmesan over the top is a must, and a handful of torn fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and satisfying, pair it with something light to balance every bite. A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables are perfect companions. Don’t forget to have a loaf of crusty bread or warm garlic knots on the table to mop up that luscious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta in individual bowls or deep plates, twirled elegantly with tongs for a stylish touch. You can also spoon it into a large serving platter and finish with fresh herbs and parmesan at the table—it makes a stunning, abundant centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will slightly thicken as it cools, but that makes for even more satisfying leftovers! Always allow the dish to cool completely before storing to keep the pasta from going mushy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, you absolutely can! Simply divide the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but that’s nothing a quick stir and gentle reheating can’t fix. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta back to life, transfer the desired portion to a skillet or saucepan and warm over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it heats. Stir frequently until steaming hot, and you’ll have that same creamy texture as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds onto the sauce well for maximum flavor in every bite.

What kind of sausage works best?

Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) delivers the richest flavor, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter spin. Just aim for sausage with good seasoning to make the sauce shine.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can reduce the richness by swapping in half-and-half or whole milk for some (not all) of the heavy cream. Try adding more spinach or tossing in other veggies to up the nutrition, too!

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the sausage with a plant-based version or hearty mushrooms. Vegetable broth works perfectly in place of chicken broth, ensuring all the savory, creamy flavors remain.

Why did my sauce turn grainy?

A grainy sauce typically means the parmesan was added over high heat or not whisked in smoothly. For the best result, use freshly grated cheese, lower the heat a notch, and whisk until silky.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that feels a little special but is totally doable on a busy night, don’t let Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta pass you by. There’s something so joyful about sharing a dish like this—hearty, creamy, bursting with Italian sunshine. Pour a glass of wine, grab your favorite people, and let this become your new go-to comfort food!

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