Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe: A Comforting Italian Delight

Whipping up a delectable tuscan sausage pasta instantly transports you to the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy.

Aromatic herbs and rich flavors dance through each bite of this comforting dish.

Robust Italian sausage melds perfectly with silky cream and tender pasta.

Garlic and spinach add depth and nutrition to every forkful.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top creates a luxurious finish that makes mouths water.

Your dinner table will come alive with Mediterranean-inspired magic.

Savor each mouthwatering moment and let this recipe become your new weeknight favorite.

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta That Delights Everyone

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta delivers rich, satisfying flavors in minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious.
  • Embrace Versatile Ingredients: Ground sausage, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes create a delightful blend of textures and tastes that appeal to both adults and kids, making it a family-friendly meal.
  • Master Simple Cooking: Beginners can easily tackle this recipe with straightforward instructions and basic cooking techniques, requiring just one skillet and standard kitchen skills to produce a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with minimal effort, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together in under an hour for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

What You’ll Need For Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Ground Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce base with deep, tangy cheese notes.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Chicken Broth, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Add depth, herbs, moisture, bright tang, and fresh green elements to balance the creamy sauce.

Instructions For Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta To Perfection

Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted water exactly as the package recommends.

Drain and set aside when pasta reaches an al dente texture.

Step 2: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and brown the ground sausage.

Break it into crumbly pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and maximum flavor release.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sauce Base

Pour into the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they blend into a luxurious, fragrant sauce.

Step 4: Build Depth Of Flavor

Let the sauce simmer gently.

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a silky smooth consistency.

Step 5: Add Fresh Ingredients

Toss into the skillet:
  • Chopped spinach
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green, releasing its fresh aroma.

Step 6: Combine And Coat

Mix the cooked pasta directly into the sausage and sauce mixture.

Ensure every pasta piece gets generously coated with the creamy, savory sauce.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot.

Enjoy this mouthwatering Tuscan-inspired pasta that promises to delight your taste buds.

Tips To Make Your Tuscan Pasta Shine

  • Choose fresh, flavorful Italian sausage for the best taste and authentic Tuscan-style experience.
  • Adjust liquid amounts to create your desired sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth or reducing heat.
  • Swap spinach with kale or add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrients and color.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a richer, more authentic cheese taste.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter options, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.

Unique Variations For Tuscan Sausage Pasta

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the creamy sauce.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.

Ways To Serve Creamy Tuscan Pasta Beautifully

  • Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Wine Companion: Serve alongside a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and cream sauce.
  • Garlic Bread Sidekick: Complement the pasta with warm, toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your dining experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's overall presentation and flavor profile.

Storing Creamy Tuscan Pasta For Next Day Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the pasta's flavor.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

  • What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Italian sausage is recommended, either mild or spicy, depending on your flavor preference. Ground pork sausage provides the most authentic taste and texture for this Tuscan-style dish.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or use diced mushrooms for a similar hearty texture. You can also add extra protein like white beans or chickpeas to maintain the dish’s substance.

  • Is this dish considered spicy?

The recipe is mild to medium in spice level. If using spicy Italian sausage, the heat will be slightly more pronounced. You can control the spiciness by choosing mild sausage or adding red pepper flakes to taste.

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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings Italian countryside comfort to your dinner table. Robust sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach meld into a luxurious sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction for you.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground sausage

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (60 grams) spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (70 grams) sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble sausage, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
  4. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, gradually whisking in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
  5. Fold in fresh spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently mixing to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich, creamy sausage sauce.
  7. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese if desired, and serve while hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meatless version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising the creamy, comforting texture of the original recipe.
  • Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot Italian sausage, allowing personalization for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during cooking, ensuring perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 842 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 870 mg
  • Fat: 62 g
  • Saturated Fat: 27 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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