Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta has a cozy yet sophisticated appeal that makes it a go-to dish for any pasta lover. This indulgent recipe combines the heartiness of Italian sausage with the creaminess of a rich sauce that’s accentuated by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any occasion that calls for something truly comforting and delicious.

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

This recipe stands out for so many reasons. First, it’s remarkably quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weekdays. Plus, it offers a fantastic balance of flavors while being budget-friendly – a win for families or anyone seeking great meals on a budget. The vibrant greens and rich cream sauce create a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

You’ll find that it’s also versatile; it can easily be dressed up for a festive gathering or kept simple for a cozy night in. With hints of Italian seasoning and deliciously melted Parmesan cheese, every spoonful is packed with flavor.

“Absolutely delicious! The creamy sauce is next-level, and my whole family loved it. This will definitely be on our weekly meal rotation!”

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a straightforward process, and perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. You’ll start by boiling the penne pasta and making the rich creamy sauce simultaneously. The whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it not only easy but also time-efficient. This will allow you to enjoy a scrumptious meal without spending hours in the kitchen!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delightfully rich pasta, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:

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• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (ground)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)

Note: Feel free to swap the penne for other pasta types, and if you’re looking for a lighter version, turkey sausage works well too.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, and set both aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, followed by the cooked sausage and baby spinach. Keep cooking until the spinach is wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Toss the cooked penne into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

7. Serve hot, garnished with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Best Way to Serve

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the pasta. For a more indulgent touch, a glass of Chardonnay or a light Chianti makes for an exceptional accompaniment.

Storage Tips

To keep Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta fresh longer, be mindful of storage practices. Let the dish cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. This pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to enjoy it later, feel free to freeze it for up to 2 months.

When it’s time to reheat, gentle warming in the microwave or on the stovetop works best. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive its creamy texture.

Pro Chef Tips

To elevate your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, consider these tips:

• Make sure to brown the sausage well – it adds depth to the flavors.
• For an even richer sauce, substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
• If you love spice, adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Always reserve pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for sauce consistency!

Creative Twists

Feel free to make this dish your own! Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as fresh oregano or thyme, instead of Italian seasoning. For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with lentils or chickpeas, ensuring you maintain the hearty essence of the dish.

Common Questions

1. What is the prep time for this dish?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 20 minutes, making this a quick weeknight dinner option.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with fusilli, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is not just a dinner option; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort. With its quick preparation, it deserves a place in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy Tuscan pasta dish combined with the heartiness of Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (ground)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, and set both aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, followed by the cooked sausage and baby spinach. Keep cooking until the spinach is wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss the cooked penne into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve hot, garnished with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Let the pasta cool before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, creamy sauce, Tuscan sausage, quick dinner, Italian recipe