Rustic Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this creamy Tuscan sausage pasta that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients.

Italian sausage sizzles alongside tender pasta, creating a mouthwatering meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.

Fragrant herbs and garlic dance through the sauce, adding depth and complexity to every bite.

Parmesan cheese melts into the creamy mixture, coating each noodle with irresistible goodness.

Spinach adds a pop of color and fresh nutrition to the hearty plate.

This one-pan wonder comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households.

Comfort and convenience meet in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Cook This Flavorful Italian Dish

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring to a vigorous boil.

Add penne pasta and cook until perfectly tender.

Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Set pasta aside for later.

Step 2: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground Italian sausage and break into small pieces while cooking.

Sauté until meat is completely browned and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Remove sausage and set on a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Pour in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Enhance Sauce

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Return cooked sausage to skillet.

Add baby spinach and cook until leaves wilt.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked penne to skillet.

Toss thoroughly to coat pasta with creamy sauce.

If sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Thick, Creamy Sauce With Sausage

• Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to perfectly adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling beautifully to each penne piece.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives or add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more nutrient-dense meal.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent cream from separating, ensuring a smooth, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese and authentic Italian sausage to elevate the overall taste and authenticity of the Tuscan-inspired pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Creaminess

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze up to 2 months, labeling with the date for easy tracking. Avoid freezing spinach for best quality.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover loosely, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or cream to revive moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking, heating until thoroughly warm and sauce regains creamy consistency.

Side Ideas That Work With Tuscan Pasta

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, creamy sausage pasta. These wines balance the dish's robust flavors with their subtle acidity and smooth tannins.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's creaminess. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main course.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve toasted garlic bread with herbs to soak up the extra sauce and add a crunchy texture. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the Tuscan-inspired dish.
• Sparkling Beverage Pairing: Opt for a crisp prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites. The bubbles help refresh your taste buds and complement the pasta's rich, creamy profile.

Simple Variations for a New Take

• Gluten-Free Zest: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a protein-packed alternative. Select a meat substitute that mimics the spicy, savory profile of traditional sausage.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Trade pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Use full-fat cream and maintain the rich sauce while dramatically reducing carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a creamy texture without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can easily swap it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to maintain the hearty texture and flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using turkey sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage, opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add extra spinach or other vegetables to boost nutritional value.

Why Tuscan Sausage Pasta Is Rich and Comforting

• Packed with Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste adventure that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe offers simple steps that make you feel like a professional chef without requiring advanced culinary techniques.
• Flexible ingredients allow for quick substitutions or additions, making it ideal for using what's already in your kitchen and catering to personal taste preferences.
• A hearty one-skillet meal that satisfies hungry families and friends, bringing everyone together with its creamy, savory goodness and irresistible aroma.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta: A hearty pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Ground Italian Sausage: Delivers rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty element that enriches the sauce.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Brings warmth and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with aromatic notes.

• Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent and fragrant base to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element that wilts into the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing and adds subtle richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall taste.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Tuscan sausage pasta blends Italian countryside charm with rich, comforting flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques invite passionate cooks to craft a memorable meal that delights senses and brings warmth to any dining table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 g) penne pasta
• 1 pound (454 g) Italian sausage, ground
• 2 cups (470 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
• Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with water and salt, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside, keeping it warm.

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until meat achieves a rich golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked. Remove sausage from skillet, placing on a separate plate.

1. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant, roughly 60 seconds. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and develop robust flavors.

1. Blend grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce. Reintroduce cooked sausage to the skillet. Add baby spinach and cook until leaves wilt completely, approximately 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting taste as needed.

1. Gently fold penne pasta into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated. If sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Stir until ingredients are harmoniously combined.

1. Transfer pasta to serving plates while steaming hot. Garnish generously with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Make sure to salt the pasta water generously to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Reserve pasta water before draining as it contains starch that helps create a silky, smooth sauce consistency.
• Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum depth of flavor and authentic taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding more or less as desired.
• Opt for fresh baby spinach which wilts quickly and adds vibrant color and nutrients to the creamy sauce.
• If watching calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Replace sausage with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for similar texture.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add bright, fresh notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 737
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1032 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg