Name: Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (ground); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s ever a dinner that guarantees empty plates and glowing reviews, it’s this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Imagine tender penne tossed in a velvety, garlicky sauce studded with golden sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and luscious spinach, all showered in Parmesan and made vibrant with fresh basil. The flavors are rich yet balanced, the textures dreamy, and best of all, the whole dish comes together surprisingly easily—even on a weeknight. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a crowd-pleasing pasta for family and friends, this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is about to become a hero in your kitchen.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple, staple ingredients. Each one magically transforms this dish, giving it incredible flavor, irresistible creaminess, and those signature pops of color you’ll want to dive right into. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each is so essential:

Penne pasta: The perfect tube shape to capture all that luscious sauce in every bite.
Olive oil: Adds fruitiness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
Italian sausage (ground): Brings savory, spiced depth and hearty texture to the dish.
Garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic, classic Italian flavor—you can never go wrong with a little extra!
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Infuse the sauce with tangy, sweet intensity and a burst of color.
Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce while deepening its savory base.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table.
Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle kick to balance the creaminess—adjust to your spice preference.
Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-silky, dreamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts right into the sauce for salty, nutty depth—always grate it fresh if you can.
Baby spinach: Wilts down for a pop of green freshness and a boost of nutrition.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, to bring all the flavors together.
Fresh basil leaves (torn, for garnish): Finish with a flourish for a fragrant and colorful touch.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil—it should taste almost like the sea for the best flavor. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that precious pasta water before draining! This starchy liquid will help you create a glossy sauce later on. Set both the pasta and water aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it browns. The goal here is to get lots of crispy bits—these are flavor gold! Once cooked through and deeply golden, transfer the sausage to a plate and get ready for the next layer of flavor.

Step 3: Build Flavors with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Turn down the heat to medium, then toss your minced garlic into the skillet. Let it sizzle gently until fragrant—it only takes a minute, and you don’t want it to burn. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The broth will lift all the tasty browned bits off the pan, while the tomatoes infuse the sauce with their sweet-tart magic.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and give everything a good stir. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer; in about 3 to 5 minutes, you’ll notice it thickening up and turning irresistible. Now, add in your freshly grated Parmesan and stir until the cheese is fully melted, making the sauce extra velvety and glossy.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Combine

Return the browned sausage to the pan, then add the baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach is wilted and blends beautifully into the sauce. A quick taste for seasoning—add salt and pepper until it’s just right. You’re almost at the finish line!

Step 6: Toss Together

Add the cooked penne into the skillet and toss to evenly coat every piece in that luscious sauce. If you want a looser consistency, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water, stirring until everything is silky and glossy. Trust me, it’s impossible not to sneak a bite at this point!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Serve your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta piping hot, topped with fresh torn basil leaves and another snowfall of Parmesan cheese. Gather everyone around the table and watch as this dish disappears in record time!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

A generous handful of torn basil leaves and a final shower of freshly grated Parmesan are absolute musts. For an even more dazzling look, add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. These little finishing touches make each bowl of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This pasta is filling enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a bright green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for sauce-scooping is downright divine. For a lighter pairing, roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus are excellent choices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves, or plate it up individually with a twirl of pasta and a pretty basil garnish. For parties, try portioning it into ramekins or mini bowls—guests love a fun twist on traditional pasta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavor gets even better after a night’s rest. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch or a low-effort dinner.

Freezing

While the cream sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing, this dish freezes better than you’d expect. Let the pasta cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Consider freezing in individual portions so you can enjoy Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. This brings the creaminess back to life and makes leftovers taste just as delicious as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. Just look for something that can hold up to the rich sauce.

What kind of sausage is best?

Sweet or hot Italian sausage both taste great here—it’s truly your preference. You can also swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option, as the sauce can stand up to any variety.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can lighten things up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in turkey sausage and use a bit less cheese. It will still be satisfyingly creamy, just a little less rich.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat, but the dish isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive friends, just reduce the flakes or leave them out.

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta ahead, store separately, and combine before serving for the freshest flavor. Leftovers reheat well too, so it’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a pasta recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further. Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a dish that always brings joy to the table. So gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Tuscany from your own kitchen!

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, a comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach in a luscious cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set both aside.
Cook the Sausage: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the heavy cream, simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cooked sausage, and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve: Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy hot!

Notes

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite wine.
For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian