This Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and colorful veggies, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and delicious.
You’ll love how the flavors just come together so well! I always have seconds because who can resist that yummy sauce? It’s like a little party for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce. If you don’t have penne, other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works great too. Gluten-free pasta is also available if you’re avoiding gluten.
Italian Sausage: I usually go for spicy sausage because it adds a nice kick! However, if you prefer a milder dish, feel free to use sweet Italian sausage or even ground turkey as a leaner alternative.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a lovely tang to the dish. If you can’t find them, diced fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to simmer longer to evaporate excess moisture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt. If you want it dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely into the sauce. You can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute, but make sure to chop them finely and cook a bit longer.
How Do You Get a Creamy Sauce without Curdling?
Making that creamy sauce is crucial for this dish, and keeping it smooth is key. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Cook the sausage before adding cream — it builds flavor and prevents curdling.
- Reduce the heat when adding heavy cream. High heat can cause it to curdle, so keep it gentle.
- Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and promote a smooth texture.
- Always add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping. This keeps everything velvety and delicious!
With these tips and insights, your Tuscan Sausage Pasta is sure to be a hit! Enjoy cooking!
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables & Flavor:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta and another 20 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. Super quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (meaning firm to the bite!). When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage until it’s nice and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s crumbly and golden!
3. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often until the mixture becomes fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Wilt the Spinach:
Now, toss in the fresh spinach! Stir it around until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The color will get beautiful!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Italian seasoning into the skillet. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken up nicely.
6. Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta well with the rich sauce, sausage, and veggies. It should all be well combined and looking delicious!
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste your pasta and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed. If you want a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes too!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy, savory Tuscan Sausage Pasta hot, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this dish, you can substitute it with any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or adding more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just be sure to season well for that extra flavor!
What Else Can I Add to This Dish?
Feel free to customize it! You can add ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great addition just before serving for a pop of freshness!
