Introduction To Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time, then Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is the dish for you! With savory Italian sausage, rich cream, and a burst of sun-dried tomatoes, this one-pan pasta delivers all the flavors of a Tuscan-inspired meal in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
The best part? You only need one pan to create this magic, making cleanup a breeze. Creamy, indulgent, and packed with vibrant Italian ingredients, this dish proves that weeknight dinners can be both easy and gourmet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍝 One-pan wonder – No fuss, no mess, just a delicious dinner.
🌿 Tuscan flavors – A rich blend of Italian sausage, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
🧀 Creamy and dreamy – A sauce that’s silky and indulgent.
⏱ Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
🍽 Family-friendly – Kid-approved comfort food for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta) 🍝
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) 🌭
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 🍅
- 2 cups fresh spinach 🌿
- 1/2 cup chicken broth 🍗
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂⚫
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
- Red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse the sausage.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce until wilted and tender.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your creamy Tuscan sausage pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy!
Variations
🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when browning the sausage for an earthy twist.
🍋 Zesty Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving for a pop of brightness.
🥩 Chicken Swap: Use grilled or shredded chicken breast in place of sausage for a leaner option.
🌶 Extra Heat: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more spice.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Toss in some roasted or sautéed broccoli or bell peppers for added veggies.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 Bread on the Side: Serve with garlic bread or a toasted baguette to scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
🥗 Light Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
🍷 Wine Pairing: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
🍇 Fruits & Cheese: A fruit and cheese platter for dessert makes a great finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Use quality sausage – Opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Remember, al dente is key!
- Add pasta water – If your sauce thickens too much, pasta water helps adjust the consistency.
- Feel free to add veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it ahead – This pasta can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just be sure to add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 570
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes! Any pasta you prefer will work—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream to keep it creamy.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Reheat with a little cream to maintain the smooth sauce.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something rich, comforting, and quick. With tender pasta, juicy sausage, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it to guests, this one-pan wonder will impress everyone at the table—and have them coming back for seconds!
