This Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a warm and hearty dish packed with savory sausage, fresh tomatoes, and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Honestly, it’s so good that I often find myself going for seconds (or thirds). It’s super easy to whip up after a long day, and I love serving it with a crispy side salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using casarecce for its delightful shape that holds onto the sauce well, but penne works just as great! If you want a gluten-free option, try using chickpea or brown rice pasta.
Italian Sausage: I usually stick with mild sausage for a balanced flavor, but if you like a kick, spicy sausage is perfect too. Alternatively, turkey sausage or a meat-free version can do the trick—just adjust the seasoning as needed!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, try fresh diced tomatoes. Just cook them down to thicken the sauce. You can also use roasted red peppers for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: This is key for a rich sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. Just be mindful of the consistency.
How Do I Get the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce can make or break your pasta dish, so it’s important to get it creamy and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Start by sautéing your sausage until it’s nice and browned. This adds depth to the sauce.
- After adding the garlic, make sure you don’t burn it—30 seconds is usually perfect!
- Add the cream and broth, letting it simmer to thicken a bit. This is where the flavors blend beautifully.
- Finally, stir in the cheese when the sauce is off the heat for a smooth finish, avoiding clumping.
Adjust the seasoning as you go, tasting to make sure it’s just the way you like it!
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz casarecce or penne pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, making sure to break it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned and cooked through. Once it’s ready, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet (this helps keep all that delicious flavor), add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant but not browned.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly (this should take about 3-4 minutes).
6. Add Cheese:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted, creating a creamy sauce.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine everything nicely.
8. Add the Spinach:
Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s wilted.
9. Mix with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss everything to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tuscan Sausage Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy each comforting bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While casarecce or penne are great choices, you can use any pasta you like, such as fusilli or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. Coconut cream works as a dairy-free option, but it will slightly change the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Leftover Tuscan Sausage Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Definitely! To make this dish vegan, use plant-based sausage, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for extra flavor!
