Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta combines Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The combination of savory sausage with the slight sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect balance that makes this dish irresistible.

I started making this pasta after returning from a trip to Tuscany, trying to recreate the magical flavors I experienced there. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta: perfectly captures the creamy sauce in its ridges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin for best flavor
• 1 pound Italian sausage: provides the foundational flavor for the entire dish
• 4 cloves garlic: fresh is essential for authentic Italian flavor
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: look for oil-packed for the richest flavor
• 1 cup chicken broth: homemade elevates the sauce but store-bought works well
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: a blend of dried herbs that adds depth
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: adjust to your preferred heat level
• 2 cups heavy cream: creates the luxurious base of the sauce
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: pre-grated won't melt as smoothly
• 2 cups baby spinach: adds color and nutrition to balance the richness
• Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning each layer of flavor
• Fresh basil leaves: brightens the finished dish with herbal freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite to it as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce later.

Brown the Sausage:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Allow it to develop a deep golden brown crust before stirring again. This caramelization adds tremendous flavor to the final dish. Once fully cooked through after about 5-7 minutes, transfer to a plate.

Create the Flavor Base:

Reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning the garlic. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Garlic burns easily and becomes bitter, so watch it carefully. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Make the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable. This reduction concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect consistency.

Finish the Sauce:

Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then fold in the fresh baby spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and Serve:

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese.

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The sun-dried tomatoes are what truly make this dish special. I discovered their importance when I accidentally doubled the amount one night and found the sweet intensity they added was absolutely perfect against the rich cream sauce. My family now insists I always use the "extra" amount.

Choosing the Right Sausage

The type of Italian sausage you select dramatically influences the final flavor profile of this dish. Sweet Italian sausage offers a milder taste with notes of fennel and herbs, while hot Italian sausage provides a pleasant kick that contrasts beautifully with the cream sauce. For the most authentic experience, seek out sausage from an Italian deli or butcher shop where it's made in-house. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken Italian sausage works wonderfully too, though the sauce may need an extra tablespoon of olive oil to compensate for the reduced fat content.

Make It Ahead

This Tuscan sausage pasta is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for busy weeknights. The cream sauce actually improves after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together more deeply. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible as this can cause the cream to separate. For best results when making ahead, consider cooking the pasta very al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid from the sauce during storage.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this hearty pasta into a complete Italian feast by pairing it with complementary sides. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil offers a peppery contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Warm garlic bread or focaccia makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up any remaining sauce. For a lighter touch, roasted asparagus or broccolini seasoned with nothing more than olive oil, salt, and lemon zest provides a vegetable contrast without competing with the pasta's complex flavors. If serving for a dinner party, consider starting with an antipasto platter featuring Italian cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan replacement.

→ What should I serve with this pasta?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce.