Every bite of this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta feels like a little getaway to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Rich, velvety cream swirls around tender penne, while spicy Italian sausage adds that perfect kick of savory goodness. Each forkful is studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes that burst with sweet, concentrated flavor, and bright green spinach leaves that wilt into the luscious sauce. I can’t help but grin as I twirl my fork—this dish feels like a warm, comforting hug right in my own kitchen. The interplay of garlic, herbs like basil and oregano, and a whisper of red pepper flakes creates an aroma so inviting you’ll want to dive right in before it even hits the table.
Over the years, this pasta has become my go-to for weeknight dinners, potluck gatherings, and anytime I need a quick yet impressive meal. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 25 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a gourmet-worthy dinner ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous get-togethers. The intermediate difficulty makes it a fun challenge for home cooks who want to step up their game without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, at roughly 800 calories per serving, it’s indulgent enough for a cozy dinner yet balanced by fresh spinach and a crisp side salad. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing this feast with friends, get ready to savor every bite of this sun-drenched, flavor-packed pasta.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY TUSCAN SAUSAGE PASTA
To build this incredible one-pan meal, you only need a handful of ingredients that each play a star role. From the hearty pasta base to the finishing sprinkle of Parmesan, here’s what brings our Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta to life:
- Penne Pasta
The perfect vessel for holding onto that creamy sauce and juicy sausage bits. Its ridged, tubular shape helps trap every delicious morsel.
- Olive Oil
A splash of fruity oil that keeps the sausage from sticking and adds a subtle, Mediterranean depth to the dish.
- Italian Sausage
Brings a bold, savory punch with seasonings of fennel and garlic built right in. As it browns, it renders flavorful fat that forms the foundation of the sauce.
- Garlic
Minced cloves deliver a fragrant, aromatic base—just one minute in the skillet unlocks all its savory potential.
- Heavy Cream
Creates the luscious, velvety texture that coats every bite. Its high fat content ensures the sauce stays rich and luxurious.
- Chicken Broth
Balances the richness of the cream with a light, savory liquid that helps the sauce reach the perfect consistency.
- Dried Basil
Offers sweet, peppery notes reminiscent of fresh basil—even when fresh leaves aren’t on hand.
- Dried Oregano
Adds earthy, slightly bitter undertones that deepen the Tuscan flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes
A pinch (or two) brings a subtle heat that dances on the tongue—adjust to your spice preference.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Intensely flavored and slightly chewy, they add a tangy sweetness that cuts through the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Spinach
Gives a nutritious pop of color and tender texture as it wilts, brightening the flavor and appearance.
- Parmesan Cheese
Finely grated to melt smoothly into the sauce, contributing nutty, salty richness.
- Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Fresh Basil (optional)
Garnish with fragrant leaves for a final burst of color and herbal brightness.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY TUSCAN SAUSAGE PASTA
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece to life in your own kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced, richly flavored pasta that’s as fun to cook as it is to devour.
1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook just until the pasta still has a tiny bite at its center. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the hot pasta water to adjust your sauce later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until every piece is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. The browned bits clinging to the pan will infuse the sauce with amazing flavor.
3. Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—careful not to brown or burn it.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the herbs to rehydrate and infuse their flavors into the creamy liquid.
5. As soon as the sauce is simmering, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through, adding bright pops of color and flavor.
6. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained pasta back into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece in the silky sauce.
8. Serve the creamy Tuscan sausage pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Grab your favorite fork and dive right in!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY TUSCAN SAUSAGE PASTA
Once your pasta is hot and bubbling, it’s time to think about how to present and complement this rich, flavorful dish. The right pairings can elevate your meal from comforting weeknight dinner to a restaurant-worthy experience.
- Offer a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side. The acidity and crunch will cut through the richness of the cream sauce, balancing each bite.
- Present slices of garlic bread or a rustic baguette alongside. Use the crusty pieces to mop up every last drop of sauce for an irresistible finish.
- Pour a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their bright citrus and herbal notes will harmonize beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
- Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil over individual plates. A fresh crack of black pepper on top adds a final touch of aroma and spice.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY TUSCAN SAUSAGE PASTA
Since this pasta is just as delicious the next day, proper storage is key to preserving its creamy texture and robust flavors. Follow these methods to keep your leftovers tasting fresh and vibrant.
- Refrigeration in Airtight Containers
Transfer cooled pasta into a sealed container within two hours of cooking. Store in the coldest part of the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Freezing for Longer Storage
For up to one month, freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Separate into individual portions for quick reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming to maintain the sauce’s texture.
- Separate Sauce and Pasta
If you anticipate storing for more than 2 days, cook just the sauce and pasta separately. Store them in two containers—this prevents the pasta from soaking up all the sauce and becoming mushy.
- Gentle Reheating Techniques
Whether from the fridge or freezer, reheat over low heat with a bit of broth or cream to recapture that original silkiness. Stir frequently to prevent scorching or clumping.
CONCLUSION
This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta has everything home cooks adore: a one-pan method, layered flavors of spicy sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a dreamy, velvety sauce. From the satisfying bite of al dente penne to the nutty finish of Parmesan, every element harmonizes into a comforting yet elegant dish. Whether you’re tackling a midweek meal or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. You can easily swap in turkey sausage for a lighter version, add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies, or even make a vegetarian take with sautéed mushrooms. Plus, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-style dinner on the table in under 40 minutes—and cleanup is a breeze since you cook most of it in a single skillet.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe box or save it for later reference. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to answer any questions about ingredient swaps, spice levels, or storage tips. If you give this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta a try, please leave a comment and share your thoughts! I’d love to hear how you tailored it to your taste—whether you went extra spicy, added mushrooms, or paired it with your favorite glass of wine. And if you run into any questions or need guidance, drop a note. Happy cooking!
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Description
A rich, velvety sauce meets spicy Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach, all tossed with penne for a satisfying one-pan meal that's bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Once simmering, add the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
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Serve the creamy Tuscan sausage pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Note
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and add extra vegetables.
- The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
