Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory sausage, tender pasta, and a flavorful creamy sauce with a hint of garlic. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
The best part? It comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan, like little tasty jewels on top! 🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pappardelle for its wide shape, but any wide pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle works great. If gluten-free, try brown rice or chickpea pasta.
Italian Sausage: You can choose either mild or spicy based on your preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage is a good substitute and still brings great flavor.
Sundried Tomatoes: These add richness to the dish. If they’re not available, you could use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Just add them a bit earlier to ensure they soften well.
Sspinach: Fresh spinach really makes this dish, but if you only have frozen, that works too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Cream: For a lower-fat option, half-and-half or whole milk can replace heavy cream, keeping the sauce creamy but slightly lighter.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Creating a creamy sauce is key to this dish, and here’s how to get it just right:
- After browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies, pour in the broth or wine to deglaze the pan. This adds depth to the sauce.
- When adding cream and Parmesan, stir well over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, start adding the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
- Remember to toss the pasta and sauce together gently, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
This method helps in creating a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly!
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz pappardelle or any wide pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. With a bit of chopping and cooking, you’ll have a hearty Tuscan Sausage Pasta ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Browning the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it turns brown and is completely cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Adding the Veggies:
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, loosening any delicious browned bits. Then mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and if you like a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Cream and Cheese Time:
Reduce the heat to low. Now, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Combining Everything:
Throw in the fresh spinach and cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, making sure the spinach wilts and the pasta is coated evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Final Seasoning:
Season the dish with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Remember, the Parmesan will add some saltiness too!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Tuscan Sausage Pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta! 🍝
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pappardelle is recommended for its wide shape that holds the sauce well, you can use any wide pasta like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even a gluten-free alternative based on your preference.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, add freshly cooked pasta, and warm through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying out, or microwave until warmed through.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh tomatoes. Just chop them up and add them while cooking the onion and garlic, allowing them to soften before proceeding with the recipe.
