If you’re in the mood for a rich and inviting dinner that comes together quickly, Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. The combination of savory Italian sausage, velvety cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender baby spinach clings to each bite of pasta, creating a dish that feels both rustic and luxuriously indulgent. Every forkful delivers bold flavors and comforting textures, making this pasta impossible to resist for anyone gathered around your table.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every element adds a specific flavor punch, satisfying texture, or beautiful color—so don’t skip any! Here’s exactly what you’ll need, and why each is key to your pasta masterpiece:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine): Pasta is the foundation that soaks up all the creamy sauce; penne offers perfect bite-size pieces, while fettuccine gives you long, luscious ribbons for twirling.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps cook the sausage, add flavor, and keeps everything from sticking—quality oil makes a difference.
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Choose mild or spicy based on your mood; sausage is the protein powerhouse and flavor base for this dish.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must—its aroma brings the whole dish to life and infuses every bite with warmth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An herby blend that adds depth and gives the pasta that unmistakable Tuscan character.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick of heat; use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
1 cup heavy cream: This is your secret to the velvety sauce—rich, silky, and everything you love in a “creamy” dish.
½ cup chicken broth: Balances out the richness of the cream and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami boost and helps meld the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
1½ cups baby spinach: Toss in a handful for fresh color and a pop of nutrition; it wilts perfectly into the hot sauce.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Their tangy, concentrated flavor is the “wow” factor in every bite.
Salt and black pepper to taste: These essential seasonings pull everything together—taste and tweak as you go.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): The finishing touch for bright color and a flash of fresh flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until just al dente—this ensures it will hold up and soak in all the creamy goodness later. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s thickness at the end.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown and develop those flavorful caramelized bits—about 6 to 8 minutes. Crumbled, golden sausage equals flavor-packed bites all throughout your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and (if you like a kick) those red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices have a chance to mingle. This is where your whole kitchen fills with that incredible, mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquids

Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to maximize flavor. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes. The sauce should start to thicken ever so slightly, creating a luxurious base for the pasta.

Step 5: Melt in Parmesan and Spinach

Reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts, you’ll see the sauce take on an irresistibly creamy, glossy texture. Add the baby spinach and gently stir just until it wilts—don’t overcook it, or you’ll lose that beautiful pop of green.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Bring your cooked pasta back to the party, tossing everything together right in the skillet so every noodle gets a luscious coating. If the sauce is a bit too thick, use a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to perfect creaminess. Taste and season with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy here!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate generous portions, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is warm, cozy, and brimming with flavor—the ultimate Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta experience.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a vibrant garnish! Top your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with a shower of fresh parsley or basil, a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces, and even an extra dusting of Parmesan for good measure. These little flourishes not only add fresh flavor but also make your pasta look like it’s straight from an Italian trattoria.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty and rich, so lighter sides are your friend. Think a crisp Caesar salad, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlicky green beans. And let’s be honest—warm, crusty bread is never a bad idea, perfect for mopping up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take it up a notch? Try serving your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta in individual bowls with dramatic parmesan shavings on top. For a family-style feel, heap everything into a big rustic platter and let everyone dig in. You can even spoon it into baked pasta shells or serve it over creamy polenta for a twist that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and get even more robust after a night in the fridge—and the sauce stays surprisingly creamy!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the pasta. Let it cool completely, then divide into freezer-safe containers. It will keep its flavor for up to two months. When you’re in need of quick comfort food, just thaw and reheat—note that the cream sauce might separate a bit, but a good stir over medium-low heat brings it back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to keep everything smooth and creamy—the pasta will taste almost as good as freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta its signature taste, you can play with spicy, sweet, or even chicken sausage. Each version brings a unique spin, so feel free to experiment based on what you have or prefer.

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even an unsweetened plant-based creamer. The result will be a bit lighter but still luxuriously creamy and delicious.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne and fettuccine are classic because they hold onto the sauce so beautifully, but any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells will work. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! While baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are traditional for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, you can add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or kale to boost the veggie power and color even more.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level really depends on your choices. If you use spicy Italian sausage and add the red pepper flakes, it has a nice little kick. For a milder version, use sweet sausage and skip the flakes.

Final Thoughts

This dish is comfort food at its finest—easy enough for a busy Tuesday, but impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re new to Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or it’s already a household favorite, I hope you’ll find something irresistible in every creamy, savory, sun-dried tomato-studded forkful. Give it a try and make your next pasta night unforgettable!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups baby spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Brown sausage in olive oil. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan and spinach, cook until wilted.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Add reserved water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.