Irresistible Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy tuscan sausage pasta recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Italian-inspired flavors burst through with every delicious bite.

Tender pasta swirls dance with savory sausage in a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Herbs and seasonings blend seamlessly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to dig in.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta – A Hearty, Cozy Classic

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: This recipe brings together bold Italian-inspired ingredients that dance perfectly on your taste buds, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one skillet and minimal prep, you can transform basic ingredients into a delicious dinner that feels fancy but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ground sausage for chicken, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this dish incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Impress Without Stress: The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and rich ingredients come together quickly, allowing you to serve a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tuscan Sausage Pasta Ingredient Checklist for Weeknights

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully in its ridges.

• Ground Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that provide traditional Tuscan-style seasoning.

• Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fresh and tangy ingredients that bring color, nutrition, and bright Mediterranean flavors to the pasta.

Stepwise Directions for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the ground sausage into the pan and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together until well combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese

Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greens and Tomatoes

• Chopped spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drop the cooked penne pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss and stir until every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

If desired, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and steaming.

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Sausage Pasta Every Time

• Drain excess fat from sausage to prevent greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more refined flavor profile.
• Select fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum taste and authentic Tuscan-inspired results.
• Simmer sauce gently to thicken without scorching, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for brighter color and crisper texture in the final dish.
• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and achieve silky sauce.

Tuscan Pasta Variations for an Italian-Inspired Table

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat, tangy version. Use less liquid to maintain sauce consistency.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers, and include fresh basil for a zestier Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Plating Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for Guests

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this pasta with a crisp arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Mediterranean Platter Pairing: Add warm garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the Tuscan flavors.
• Wine Companion Suggestion: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the sausage and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.
• Herb Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish to the creamy pasta.

Tuscan Sausage Pasta Storage for Family Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta separate from other ingredients to maintain its texture.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy consistency.
• Freeze the sauce and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses ground sausage which can have a mild to moderate spice level. You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for heat.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Do I need fresh spinach or can I use frozen?

Both fresh and frozen spinach work for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet to prevent watering down the sauce.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Tuscan Sausage Pasta blends rich Italian flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a quick weeknight meal that brings Mediterranean warmth directly to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and crumble ground sausage, cooking until golden brown and completely rendered.
3. Eliminate excess rendered fat from the skillet, maintaining the sausage’s caramelized bits.
4. Pour heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, whisking to create a harmonious blend.
5. Allow the liquid mixture to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, developing rich flavors and slightly thickening.
6. Incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smoothly melted and integrated with the sauce.
7. Introduce fresh spinach leaves and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach becomes delicately wilted and vibrant green.
8. Carefully fold the perfectly cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is luxuriously coated with the robust mixture.
9. Transfer to serving plates immediately, optionally embellishing with an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegan sausage for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making the dish heart-friendly and more nutritionally balanced.
• Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk, which adds creamy texture while reducing overall calorie content.
• Allow sauce to thicken naturally by simmering gently, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth, silky consistency that clings perfectly to pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 770 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 58 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg