Easy Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Dive into the richness of this Tuscan-inspired pasta, which balances the boldness of spicy Italian sausage with the creamy decadence of Parmesan and heavy cream. The vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach elevate this dish, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Ib spicy Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 12 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Incorporate Vegetables:
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a beautiful finish.
Notes
Why You Will Love Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and elegance in a single dish. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a restaurant-quality dinner to impress guests, this pasta dish is sure to satisfy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:Rich and Creamy Texture
One of the biggest reasons to love Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is its luxurious, velvety sauce. The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a silky, rich texture that coats every bite of pasta. The creamy sauce perfectly balances the savory sausage, making it an indulgent yet satisfying dish.Bold and Savory Flavors
Italian sausage is the heart of this dish, providing a deliciously bold and savory taste. Whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, its well-seasoned, slightly smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. The garlic, onions, and Italian herbs enhance the dish, adding layers of depth and aroma.The Tuscan Touch: Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
The signature Tuscan flavors in this dish come from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Sun-dried tomatoes add a hint of sweetness and tanginess, which cuts through the richness of the cream. Spinach not only provides a pop of vibrant color but also adds a nutritious, slightly earthy taste that balances the dish.Comfort Food with a Gourmet Feel
This pasta is a wonderful comfort food that feels fancy without requiring a lot of effort. The combination of creamy sauce, hearty sausage, and Tuscan-inspired ingredients makes it taste like something you would order at an Italian restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to make at home.Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the best things about Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The entire dish can be made in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.Customizable to Your Preferences
This dish is highly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs. You can use different types of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this pasta dish is a great choice. It’s hearty enough for a cozy winter night and elegant enough for a special occasion. Pair it with a glass of wine and some crusty garlic bread, and you have a meal that feels truly special.Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta: Tips & Serving Tricks
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a comforting dish packed with rich flavors, combining Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. Here’s how to perfect it and impress your guests with professional serving tricks.Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor & Texture
1. Choose the Right Sausage
Use high-quality Italian sausage (mild or spicy) to enhance the dish’s depth. If using links, remove the casing before browning to create crumbles that blend seamlessly with the sauce.2. Enhance the Creaminess
For an ultra-creamy sauce, use heavy cream or a mix of half-and-half for a lighter version. Avoid substituting milk, as it may cause the sauce to be too thin. Add a little reserved pasta water to maintain a silky consistency without over-thickening.3. Balance the Flavors
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy contrast to the rich sausage and cream. If they’re oil-packed, drain excess oil before chopping. Fresh spinach adds a mild earthiness—add it at the end to preserve color and texture.4. Perfectly Cooked Pasta
Use a short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle, which hold the sauce well. Cook until just al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.5. Optimize the Sauce
Sauté garlic in the sausage drippings for deeper flavor before adding the cream and parmesan. Let the cheese melt naturally to prevent clumping. Stir constantly for a smooth, velvety finish.6. Elevate with Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil or parsley enhances the dish with freshness and color. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrancy.Serving Tricks for a Restaurant-Style Presentation
1. Garnish Like a Pro
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper on top.
- Add extra sun-dried tomato slivers for visual appeal.
- Drizzle a tiny amount of high-quality olive oil for a glossy finish.
2. Serve in a Warm Bowl
Pre-warm serving bowls to keep the dish hot longer. You can do this by placing them in an oven at low heat or filling them with hot water for a few minutes before drying and plating.3. Pairing Perfection
Serve with:- Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing to cut through the richness.
- A glass of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) or a light red like Chianti.
4. Make it Family-Style or Individual Portions
For a cozy meal, serve in a large dish and let guests help themselves. For an elegant touch, twirl pasta into nests using tongs and place them neatly on individual plates.Pro Tips for the Perfect Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use orecchiette or bowtie pasta to catch every bit of the flavorful sauce and sausage.
- Customize the Spice: Opt for spicy Italian sausage for a kick or mild sausage for a gentler flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Add an extra splash of heavy cream for an even richer texture.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance the dish with mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables for added flavor and variety.
- Fresh Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a pop of color and aroma.