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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe - Easy & Flavorful Meal

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Meal

Description

Welcome to this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe! If you’re a fan of rich and savory dishes, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the best of both Italian and American flavors with its creamy, hearty sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
  • Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce.
  • For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Instructions

 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up as it cooks. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Stir in the grated Parmesan, cooked sausage, and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Toss the pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Equipment

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese.
  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh cherry tomatoes for a milder flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water: Adding a splash of pasta water helps to achieve a silky, smooth sauce.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/creamy-tuscan-sausage-pasta-recipe-easy-flavorful-meal/