Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
This restaurant-style pasta features juicy Italian sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in under 40 minutes — ideal for a weeknight dinner or even date night.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained & sliced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (6–7 minutes).
Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Build the Sauce
Add garlic (and onion, if using) to the skillet; saute 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Pour in cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Pasta & Spinach
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Toss in pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes & Tips
Lighter option: Use turkey sausage + half-and-half instead of cream.
Extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
Veggie boost: Mushrooms or zucchini pair beautifully.
Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared in advance; reheat gently and add pasta before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without sausage?
Yes – swap with chicken, shrimp, or even white beans for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk works, but sauce will be thinner — add a little extra Parmesan for body.
Q: What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce really well.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 4g