If you’re searching for a heartwarming meal that feels like a cozy Italian countryside evening, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe. It features tender pasta tossed with juicy Italian sausage, luscious cream, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy spinach, all brought together in a silky Parmesan sauce. Every creamy, savory bite is packed with flavor and color, making this dish an easy favorite for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat with friends and family!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe relies on easy-to-find ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen. Each component plays a huge part in creating a meal that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Pasta: Choose penne or fettuccine for their ability to soak up all that glorious sauce and add a satisfying chew.
Olive Oil: Just a bit in the skillet helps brown the sausage beautifully and gives a silky foundation for the sauce.
Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy, this is the star protein, infusing the sauce with rich, savory depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and that unmistakable Italian flair.
Red Pepper Flakes: Completely optional, but adds a lovely touch of heat if you prefer a kick.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture — pure comfort!
Chicken Broth: A splash rounds out the sauce, preventing it from feeling too heavy while enhancing savory notes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts in, lending nutty depth and that classic cheesy pull.
Italian Seasoning: Just a sprinkle brings together a medley of herbs that ties all the flavors perfectly.
Baby Spinach: Two big handfuls wilt into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a hint of earthiness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These sweet-tangy gems add little bursts of Mediterranean sunshine throughout the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for adjusting flavors to taste at the very end.
Fresh Basil: Optional, but a scattering on top adds a fresh, fragrant finish and beautiful color.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water — it’s liquid gold for perfecting your sauce later. Once drained, set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, drizzle in the olive oil and heat over medium. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s evenly browned and crumbled, and thoroughly cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. The sausage should be sizzling and aromatic, making your kitchen smell incredible already!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Add the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about a minute. This quick step blooms the garlic’s flavor, giving the dish its irresistible base and building the foundation for the creamy sauce to come.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let this mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Soon, you’ll see the sauce thicken into a glossy, creamy blanket, rich with the flavors of Italy.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Add Tomatoes

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and pile in the fresh baby spinach. As you cook, the spinach will wilt into the sauce, and the tomatoes will plump slightly, infusing every spoonful with their unique punch of flavor.

Step 6: Toss and Finish

Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together. Splash in some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce and help it cling to every noodle. Season with salt and pepper, then toss again. For a final flourish, sprinkle with fresh basil if you’d like. The Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe is ready to shine on your table, warm and irresistibly fragrant!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To bring even more flair to your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe, a shower of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese makes every bowl look like it belongs in a trattoria. If you love a fresh bite, add a little cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. These little touches go a long way in elevating both the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully filling on its own, but you can always round out your meal with some favorites. A crisp, simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness, and garlicky bread or focaccia is perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce. A glass of chilled white wine brings the whole Italian-inspired experience together!

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinners, pile the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe straight from skillet to large serving bowl family-style. For a festive dinner party, serve it in individual wide bowls and top each with generous basil and cheese. Hosting a crowd? Try baking the finished pasta in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftovers (not always an easy feat!), stash them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch or dinner if you’re on the go during the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the completely cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. The creamy sauce freezes surprisingly well, and you can keep it for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk, broth, or reserved pasta water to bring back the original creaminess. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through, so the sauce stays smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives the classic flavor here, you can swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based version. Just keep an eye on the seasonings, as the overall taste will shift slightly with each substitute.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

If you want a lighter version of the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and try turkey or chicken sausage. The sauce will be a tad less rich but still deliciously satisfying!

Is there a gluten-free option?

You bet! Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta — there are lots of great penne and fettuccine options available now. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries! You can leave them out or swap in roasted red peppers for a slightly different, mellow sweetness. Even sautéed cherry tomatoes work if you want pops of juiciness instead.

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

This pasta is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time, then quickly cook and toss with fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a practical option for easy entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired and excited to embrace this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish promises to win hearts with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wonderfully creamy texture. Give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with a little taste of Tuscany tonight!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, a satisfying dish that combines hearty Italian sausage with creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional:

2 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Sausage: In a skillet, brown the sausage in olive oil until cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for a few minutes.
Finish the Dish: Stir in tomatoes, spinach, and cooked pasta. Toss to coat and adjust seasoning. Garnish with basil and serve.