If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is about to become your new best friend! With its velvety sauce, delightful bits of sausage, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and a swirl of spinach, this dish is as delicious as it is stunning – and (trust me) so easy to pull off, even on busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy: This pasta is pure decadence, thanks to a dreamy, parmesan-laced sauce that hugs every bite!
- Flavor Explosion: Juicy sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant Italian herbs deliver layers of bold, unforgettable taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: The whole recipe comes together simply with pantry staples, and minimal dishes to wash—what’s not to love?
- Weeknight Friendly: You can have Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta on the table in just 40 minutes, with almost zero effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is how it transforms a humble handful of ingredients into something truly spectacular. Here’s a peek at what you’ll need and why each item belongs in your pan!
- Penne Pasta: Holds onto all that luscious sauce—other short pasta shapes work, but penne is a classic.
- Ground Sausage: Delivers a meaty punch and depth of flavor; both spicy or mild Italian sausage are wonderful here.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the silkiest, richest sauce imaginable.
- Chicken Broth: Balances richness and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Garlic Powder: Effortless flavor boost, infusing the sauce with mellow garlicky notes.
- Italian Seasoning: Herbs like basil and oregano transport you to those classic Tuscan flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! It thickens the sauce and gives that irresistible umami punch.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and an earthy, fresh bite that lightens the dish beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These chewy, tangy gems brighten every forkful and provide gorgeous color.
Variations
The best part about making Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta at home? You can play around and make it perfect for your palate (or whatever is in your pantry)! Don’t be shy about switching things up—here are some quick ideas:
- Swap the Sausage: Crumbled chicken or turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage, work beautifully for lighter or vegetarian versions.
- Add More Greens: Try kale or arugula instead of spinach, or toss in some zucchini or peas for a springtime twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on the cook time to keep it perfectly al dente!
- Bump Up the Heat: Love it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sausage for a little kick.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your penne and cook according to the package directions, just to al dente. Remember, the pasta will absorb more sauce later, so don’t overcook! Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and crumble in the ground sausage. Sauté until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, breaking it up with your spoon for those perfect savory nuggets. Once done, transfer sausage to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens slightly and gets that dreamy, velvety look.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach & Add the Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the spinach has just wilted and the tomatoes have plumped up, making the sauce vibrant with taste and color.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Return the cooked sausage (and all its flavorful juices) to the pan, then add the drained pasta. Stir until everything is coated with that luscious sauce and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like—then serve piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Choose Quality Sausage: Use freshly ground or high-quality Italian sausage for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: If your sauce turns out a bit thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will bring it back to glossy, silky perfection.
- Let Cheese Melt Off Heat: Removing the sauce from direct heat before stirring in parmesan helps prevent clumping and keeps your sauce ultra-smooth.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Stir spinach in at the end—just until wilted—so it stays green and fresh, not mushy.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a crack of black pepper are classic toppers for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, but don’t stop there! A few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds freshness and an inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad (think arugula with lemon vinaigrette) or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Of course, a warm crusty bread is a must for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta into a big, rustic serving bowl for a family-style feast, or twirl individual nestlings into shallow plates for a restaurant-worthy look. For a dinner party, try topping with microgreens or serve with small parmesan crisp “chips” on the side for some extra pizzazz.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken, but the flavors only get better as they meld!
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta, though cream sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before gently reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life. If microwaving, use a lower power setting and stop to stir every 30 seconds for best results. Avoid overheating, so the sauce stays beautifully creamy!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle will work well and catch the creamy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
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Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Adding a bit more chicken broth and an extra handful of spinach will also make it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
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What kind of sausage should I use for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?
Italian pork sausage is traditional, but feel free to use spicy, sweet, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage based on your preference or what you have on hand.
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Can I make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, store them chilled, and combine just before serving. This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce, ensuring a creamy result when reheated together.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to impress, whether you serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend with friends. It’s soul-warming, deeply flavorful, and so easy to customize. Gather your favorite people around the table and give this pasta a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in a rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that combines tender penne pasta with savory ground sausage, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
Sausage Mixture:
- 1 pound ground sausage
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
Additions:
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage until no longer pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk over medium-high heat until thickened.
- Finish Dish: Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Simmer until spinach wilts. Return sausage to the pan, add cooked pasta, and stir until heated through.
