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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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