Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta That’s Better Than Takeout!
This comforting and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta features spicy Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a delightful meal that's quick to prepare and will impress family and friends!
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 colander for draining pasta
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage Preferably mild or spicy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic Minced.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes Drained and chopped.
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for garnish.
Instructions
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces with your spatula.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.