Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Are you in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Tuscan Sausage Pasta recipe. It’s a delightful combination of spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
What is Tuscan Sausage Pasta?
Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish inspired by the rustic cuisine of Tuscany, Italy. The recipe features spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
Key Ingredients
Italian Sausage
- Italian Sausage: Provides a savory and slightly spicy flavor. You can use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference.
Pasta
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta works well to capture the creamy sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and sweet depth of flavor.
Spinach
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients.
Cream
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Parmesan Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the sauce.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: For cooking the sausage and making the sauce.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Ingredients
- Chop the Ingredients: Dice 1 medium onion, mince 3 cloves of garlic, and slice 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prepare the Spinach: Rinse and roughly chop 4 cups of fresh spinach.
Cooking the Sausage
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the Cream: Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook 12 ounces of pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combining Everything
- Add Sausage and Spinach: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan: Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Tips for Perfect Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh spinach, good-quality Parmesan cheese, and high-quality sausage make a big difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Tuscan Sausage Pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Green Salad: A light, crisp salad complements the richness of the pasta.
- Glass of Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or arugula.
- Add Veggies: Include bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- 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 cream or milk if needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 6 servings) of Tuscan Sausage Pasta has approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe? Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works best to hold the creamy sauce.
3. Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, if you have pre-cooked sausage, you can slice it and add it to the sauce when you add the spinach.
4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian? Substitute the sausage with a vegetarian sausage alternative or use extra vegetables and beans for protein.
Source: saltandlavender.com
Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Are you in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Tuscan Sausage Pasta recipe. It's a delightful combination of spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests at a dinner party.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta I used fettuccine
- 11 ounces Italian sausages see note
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1.5 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- Small handful fresh basil torn/chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste
- Boil a salted pot of water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, take the sausages out of their casings and crumble the meat into a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's nicely browned on the outside.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. If there’s a lot of fat, discard most of it.
- Add the garlic, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, flour, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir until well combined (be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan) and let it bubble for a minute or two.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the pan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sausage back into the pan. Cook for another few minutes until the sauce has thickened up a bit.
- Stir in the basil and spinach. Let it cook for a minute or so until it wilts. Give the sauce a taste and season with extra salt & pepper if needed.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Serve immediately with some freshly grated parmesan if desired.