This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish packed with Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all coated in a luscious creamy sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests!
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This dish became a household favorite pretty fast. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
I love how the Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes give it a hearty, savory kick. The heavy cream makes it super indulgent.
Once you try this Tuscan sausage pasta, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner! I’ve tried many pasta dishes over the years, from Cajun shrimp scampi pasta to Boursin tomato pasta, and even cheesy kielbasa pasta, but this one holds a special place in my heart. If you’re a fan of creamy, flavorful pasta, you might also enjoy tuna pesto pasta or even the bold flavors of squid ink pasta with shrimp!
Why You'll Love This Pasta Recipe?
- Rich & Creamy – The heavy cream and cream cheese make it ultra-smooth.
- Bold Italian Flavors – The sausage, tomatoes, and Parmesan create a savory combo.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes!
- Customizable – Switch up the pasta, add veggies, or make it spicy.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Even picky eaters will love it!
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Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- Any Pasta (uncooked): I used Cavatappi pasta for its spiral grooves that hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Italian Sausage (casings removed): Use mild or spicy sausage based on your preference.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness while sautéing garlic, onion, and sausage.
- Garlic: A fragrant and aromatic base for the sauce.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy-sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s depth and savoriness.
- Cream Cheese: Extra creaminess and a hint of tang.
- Spinach: Adds color, texture, and nutrients.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential for Italian-style richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Additions
- Pasta: Swap Cavatappi with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
- Protein: Use chicken, turkey sausage, or even shrimp.
- Vegetables: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Extra Cheese: Stir in mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?
- Cook the Pasta – Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Sauté the Sausage – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the sausage until golden and caramelized.
- Add Aromatics – Stir in garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in cream cheese.
- Simmer – Let everything thicken into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Combine Everything – Drain the pasta and toss it into the sauce with the spinach.
- Finish with Parmesan – Sprinkle generously with Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve & Enjoy – Dish it up hot and fresh, and enjoy this creamy Tuscan sausage pasta!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic for extra flavor.
- Mushroom Twist: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in shredded mozzarella for even more richness.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Garlic Bread: Crusty slices of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a crispy texture to each bite.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp, refreshing, and a great balance to the richness.
- Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar make a delicious and vibrant appetizer or side dish.
- Wine: A full-bodied Chardonnay or medium-bodied Chianti pairs beautifully with Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, complementing its rich flavors with notes of oak or cherry, respectively. Alternatively, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce and savory sausage.
- Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy side option.
- Parmesan Roasted Potatoes – Crispy and full of flavor.
- Minestrone Soup – A hearty appetizer before the pasta.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Top Tips
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the sun-dried tomatoes – they add so much depth!
- Let the sauce simmer to develop a rich, thick consistency.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! It's entirely safe to eat sausage casing, as it's typically made from natural materials like animal intestines or synthetic materials. However, some prefer to remove it before consuming the sausage for a smoother texture, but it's entirely up to personal preference.
Italian sausage typically features a blend of savory herbs and spices like fennel, garlic, and paprika, lending it a distinctive flavor profile. On the other hand, regular sausage may vary in flavor depending on its type, often incorporating a broader range of spices and seasonings. Ultimately, the key difference lies in the unique seasoning and flavor profile characteristic of Italian sausage, setting it apart from its regular counterparts.
Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that balances the savory sausage beautifully.
Try tiramisu, panna cotta, or a simple scoop of gelato for a classic Italian touch.
Cavatappi is a spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauces well, making it perfect for creamy dishes.
More Pasta Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for cooking pasta)
- 1 sauce pan or medium pot
Ingredients
- 10 ounce penne pasta uncooked
- 1 Pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Let's start by getting a pot of water boiling. Once it's bubbling away, toss in your cavatappi pasta and let it cook until it's just al dente – you want it with a little bite!
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your crumbled Italian sausage and let it cook until it's beautifully golden and caramelized.
- Add in some minced garlic and onion. Once they're nice and fragrant, toss in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and give everything a good stir.
- Time to make it creamy! Pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth, then add a nice dollop of cream cheese for that luxurious texture.
- Let it all simmer and bubble away until it's beautifully thickened and creamy.
- When your pasta's ready, drain it well and toss it straight into the sauce along with your chopped spinach. Give it all a good mix until everything's nicely coated.
- Finish it off with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve it up hot and fresh, and get ready to tuck into a bowl of comfort and flavor that'll transport you straight to Tuscany!
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