Growing up in a quaint Italian neighborhood, the aroma of Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta wafting through the air was a common occurrence. Every family had their own version, but the essence remained the same – creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious. This dish traces its origins back to the heart of Tuscany. If you’re a fan of Italian pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Mafaldine Pasta with Zesty Pea Shoot & Meyer Lemon Pesto or the delightful Orecchiette with Pistachio Pesto: An Instant Pot Pasta Delight.
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Servings:
Enough for 4 people
Dietary Information:
Gluten-free, Dairy-free options available
Table of Contents:
- What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make this Easy Creamy Pasta?
- Expert Tips
- More Creamy Pasta Recipes
- Recipe FAQs
What Makes Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Special?
This isn’t just any pasta dish. It’s a journey through the Tuscan countryside, where every bite evokes memories of sun-kissed vineyards and also rustic Italian kitchens. Additionally, it’s a fun and easy dish to whip up, making it perfect for family dinners or romantic date nights!
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients List:
Pasta and Proteins:
- 400g of your favorite pasta
- 500g Italian sausage (You can use chicken too)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil and parsley for garnish
How To Make This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?
Time needed: 30 minutes
Alright, now that we have all our ingredients, let’s start making our Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta! Just follow these easy steps:
- Cook the Pasta:
Firstly, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add your favorite pasta and let it cook until it reaches an al dente texture. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Prepare the Sausage:
Meanwhile, in a separate large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage, ensuring it’s spread out evenly. Allow it to cook until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Flavor with Garlic:
Then, using the same skillet, you’ll notice some leftover sausage drippings. In this, add the minced garlic and sauté it gently. This will infuse the garlic flavor into the oil, making it fragrant and also flavorful.
- Add the Spinach:
Before you add the cream, toss in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves. Sauté them until they’re wilted and reduced in size. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Season and Stir:
At this point, add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and give it a good stir, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Bring Everything Together:
Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet, mixing until evenly coated and distributed.
- Garnish and Serve:
Finally, transfer the pasta to dishes, garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and Parmesan. Serve hot and savor!
Pro Tips For Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta:
- Spice it Up: Firstly, for those who love a zesty kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add that desired heat to your Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta. Want a unique flavor twist? Try our Fajita Seasoning Recipe.
- Swap the Protein: Fancy a change? Swap out the sausage for chicken or also shrimp. Both meld perfectly with the creamy base. For another flavor-packed dish, try our Rustic Avocado Salad and Caprese Chicken.
- Go Green: Elevate your dish with greens like spinach or kale. They not only add color but also boost the dish’s health quotient. If greens in pasta appeal to you, don’t miss our Ziti, Eggplant, and Fontina Gratin Recipe.
- Veganize It: Vegan friends, swap cream for coconut milk and use vegan sausage. Nutritional yeast can also replace Parmesan, offering a cheesy touch. Craving creaminess? Our Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe is vegan-friendly.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Pinot Grigio or also Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this creamy pasta. For more wine insights, see this guide on Italian wine pairings.
- Storage Solutions: Lastly, if you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or broth can help revive the creaminess. For more storage tips, explore this guide on how to store pasta.
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a glass of your favorite white wine.
More Creamy Pasta Recipes:
Hungry for more? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick roundup of some creamy pasta delights that are both scrumptious and easy to make:
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta: A zesty twist with a hint of garlic, perfect for citrus lovers.
- Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas: A hearty blend of earthy mushrooms and sweet peas.
- Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta: A vibrant mix of tomatoes and fresh spinach.
- Pumpkin Pasta Sauce: A unique, seasonal favorite with the sweetness of pumpkin.
Looking for more delicious options? Explore also our seafood pasta recipe, Salmon Pesto Pasta, and don’t miss out on our kid-friendly pasta, Cheese Tortellini with Marinara Sauce.
FAQs on Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
While both Tuscan and Italian sausages originate from Italy, they have distinct flavor profiles. Tuscan sausage typically has a milder flavor with hints of fennel, while Italian sausage is often more robust and can be found in both sweet and spicy varieties.
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and vegan sausage.
Yes, you can! Ensure the pasta has cooled down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess.
