Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Cook penne pasta, brown Italian sausage, make a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Add spinach and combine with pasta. Ready in 30 minutes.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:21:33 GMT
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Transport yourself to the Italian countryside with this indulgent pasta dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a silky cream sauce. Every twirl of pasta delivers the perfect balance of flavors - from the savory sausage to the subtle sweetness of tomatoes, all wrapped in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to each piece of pasta.

The first time I made this recipe was for a last-minute dinner party, and my guests couldn't believe it wasn't from their favorite Italian restaurant. Now it's become my signature dish - the one everyone requests when they come over. Even my son, who usually picks around any green vegetable, devours the spinach in this creamy sauce.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Italian sausage: Choose bulk sausage for easier cooking; spicy or sweet works beautifully
  • Penne pasta: The ridges and hollow center capture the sauce perfectly
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for oil-packed ones for the best flavor and texture
  • Heavy cream: Full-fat creates the silkiest sauce; don't skimp here
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre-grated
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves only; pre-minced won't give you the same depth
  • Baby spinach: Fresh leaves wilt perfectly into the sauce

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Perfect Your Pasta:
Salt your water generously - it should taste like the sea
Cook pasta just until al dente - it'll continue cooking in the sauce
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining - this is crucial!
Build Your Flavor Base:
Brown sausage until deeply caramelized
Let garlic bloom gently in the flavored oil
Layer in aromatics gradually for depth
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After countless times making this dish, I've discovered that the magic lies in the timing. The pasta should finish cooking just as your sauce comes together, allowing you to marry them while everything's hot. My Italian grandmother always said, "The pasta waits for no one," and she was right - serving this dish immediately makes all the difference.

Beyond Basic Pasta

The beauty of this recipe is how it welcomes variations. Sometimes I'll add mushrooms sautéed in butter, or swap the spinach for tender broccolini. During summer, I love adding fresh cherry tomatoes alongside the sun-dried ones. Each variation brings its own personality while maintaining the dish's comforting essence.

Make-Ahead Success

While best served fresh, you can prep components ahead: brown the sausage, slice the sun-dried tomatoes, and grate the cheese. When ready to serve, the final assembly takes just minutes. If you do have leftovers, rewarm them gently with a splash of cream to restore the sauce's silky texture.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. I always serve this with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce - it's too good to waste!

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This pasta has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen - it's a celebration dish, a comfort meal, and a love letter to Italian cooking all in one. The way the cream sauce wraps around each piece of pasta, carrying with it bits of savory sausage and sweet tomatoes, creates something truly special.

Whether you're cooking for a casual family dinner or hoping to impress guests, this dish delivers every time. As my daughter says, "It's like a hug in a bowl." And isn't that exactly what good cooking should be?

Remember, the best Italian cooking is about respecting good ingredients and letting them shine. Take your time with each step, taste as you go, and don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to make it your own.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle works well with this creamy sauce.
→ How can I make this lighter?
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of chicken broth and cream for a lighter sauce.
→ Can I make this ahead?
While best fresh, you can reheat it gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
→ What can I use instead of spinach?
Try kale, arugula, or Swiss chard as alternatives to spinach in this recipe.
→ Is this spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit them to control the heat level.

Creamy Sausage and Spinach Pasta

A hearty pasta dish featuring Italian sausage and spinach in a rich parmesan cream sauce, brightened with sun-dried tomatoes.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Recipe Output: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ Pasta

Contains 01 items 1 pound penne pasta

→ Main Components

Contains 02 items 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
Contains 03 items 4 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 04 items 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Contains 05 items 2 cups baby spinach

→ Sauce

Contains 06 items 2 tablespoons olive oil
Contains 07 items 1 cup chicken broth
Contains 08 items 2 cups heavy cream
Contains 09 items 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

Contains 10 items 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Contains 11 items 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Contains 12 items Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

Contains 13 items Fresh basil leaves, torn
Contains 14 items Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage until browned, 5-7 minutes. Remove to a plate.

Step 03

Reduce heat to medium, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and cream. Simmer 3-5 minutes to thicken.

Step 04

Stir in Parmesan, cooked sausage, and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Add cooked penne to the skillet, toss to coat with sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to thin sauce.

Step 06

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Important Tips

  1. Use high-quality Italian sausage for best flavor
  2. Sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
  3. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency

Essential Tools

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 923
  • Fat Amount: 52 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Protein Amount: 38 g