Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with a rich, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients Overview

Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy, depending on your preference.

Pasta

• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta of your choice.

Creamy Sauce

• Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced.

Vegetables and Herbs

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Onion: Finely chopped.
• Basil: Freshly chopped for garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Essential Kitchen Tools

1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the sausage and sauce.
2. Pot: For boiling the pasta.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
4. Colander: For draining the pasta.
5. Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Cooking the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Pasta

5. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook 12 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Combining Ingredients

6. Combine Pasta and Sausage: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Add Spinach: Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the hot sauce. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh spinach make a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
• Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute the sausage with chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based sausage for a different twist.
• Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Different Greens: Try kale or arugula instead of spinach.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta (based on 6 servings) has approximately:

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With its combination of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a luxurious creamy sauce, it’s a meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a keeper.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes, you can use any sausage you like, including spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine with the reheated sauce.

3. What kind of pasta works best? Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well.

4. Can I freeze leftovers? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

5. How can I make this dish lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

Source: saltandlavender.com