Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, look no further than Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. This pasta recipe brings together luscious cream, savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach for an irresistible combination you’ll want to make again and again. From the first forkful, it’s clear why this dish wins hearts at the dinner table: hearty, vibrant, and oh-so-easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or trying to impress guests, Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it’s built on humble ingredients that each bring bold flavor, creamy texture, or gorgeous color to the table. Take a little time to prep these pantry staples and fresh picks, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that feels special with every bite.

• Penne pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for catching all that rich, creamy sauce in every bite.
• Olive oil: A splash of good olive oil helps to brown the sausage and toast the garlic for a savory foundation.
• Italian sausage: Opt for ground sausage, which adds big, bold flavor and juicy texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punchy, aromatic warmth that can’t be beat.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These gems bring deep, tangy sweetness and gorgeous flecks of color throughout the pasta.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and just enough savory body to the sauce so the flavors meld beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A simple blend packs unmistakable Mediterranean flair in every forkful.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a hint for subtle heat that brightens but doesn’t overpower.
• Heavy cream: Delivers an ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce that makes Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta unforgettable.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty, Parmesan ties the sauce together and lifts all the flavors.
• Baby spinach: Throws much-needed greens and delicate texture into the mix, wilting perfectly into the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t forget a final pinch of seasoning to bring every element into balance.
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn on top for a burst of herbal aroma and a fresh finish; a true chef’s kiss!

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, following the package directions closely. Before draining the pasta, scoop out a cup of that starchy cooking water and set it aside—this will help you tweak the sauce’s texture later. Drain the penne and keep it on standby.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, warm up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and let it sizzle, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. You’ll want to cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which takes about 5–7 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside for the moment.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the garlic, cooking just till fragrant—about a minute. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and that dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth. The mixture will get more aromatic by the second! Pour in the heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Wilt in Greens and Build Creaminess

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese so it melts right into the sauce. Add the browned sausage and baby spinach, letting the spinach wilt gently for 1–2 minutes. A quick taste is always a good idea: adjust salt and pepper as needed for that crave-worthy balance.

Step 5: Toss and Finish the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Time for the magic moment—add the cooked penne right into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is richly coated with the creamy, savory sauce. If things look a bit thick, just splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve hot, adorned with torn fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches! Scatter torn fresh basil and extra Parmesan right before serving. For an extra pop, a few cracked black peppercorns or a drizzle of good olive oil go a long way. The basil adds fragrance, the cheese provides extra richness, and it all looks so inviting.

Side Dishes

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed greens. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you won’t want any of it left behind!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with each portion topped with a mound of fresh basil and Parmesan shavings. Hosting a more casual meal? Offer it family-style on a big platter so everyone can help themselves. Even leftovers can shine: spoon them into small ramekins, sprinkle with cheese, and broil quickly for a fun, bubbly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Place it in an airtight container to lock in all those lovely flavors and keep it from drying out or absorbing fridge smells.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a batch, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag. It’ll hold up well for about two months; keep in mind that the sauce may separate a bit when thawed, but a quick stir or a splash of cream brings it right back together.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring halfway through. Always add a little liquid when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, you can easily substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. The most important thing is to use a pasta with ridges or a hollow shape to really hold onto all that luscious sauce.

What kind of sausage works best?

Both spicy and sweet Italian sausage work well—choose according to your preference. If you like a bit of extra heat, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I make it lighter?

To lighten up Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in turkey sausage. Just know that the sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still taste wonderful!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe uses wheat penne, but you can absolutely make it gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check your sausage and sundried tomatoes for hidden gluten, too.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Along with spinach, feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for even more veggie goodness. Add them after sautéing the garlic so they mingle nicely with the sauce’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this dream-worthy Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for yourself. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special gathering, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that delivers incredible flavor and comfort in every bite. Set the table, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and dig in—you’re going to love it!

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