Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a hearty dish filled with spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta. It’s simple yet delicious, perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family!
What I love most is how the flavors all come together. Plus, it’s quick to make! Just cook the sausage and pasta, mix them with that creamy goodness, and you’re all set for a tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Casarecce or ziti is perfect for this dish as it holds the sauce well. If these aren’t available, any similar pasta like penne or rigatoni will work too. Even gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free option!
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you prefer a lighter dish, turkey or chicken sausage is a tasty alternative. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture, but if you want a lighter version, swap it out for half-and-half or coconut cream. For dairy-free, look for nut-based cream alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re not in season, substitute with canned diced tomatoes, which work well in sauces.
How Do I Get My Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the sausage just right is key to this dish’s flavor! Here’s how you can master it:
- Start with a medium heat in your skillet. This helps the sausage cook evenly.
- Break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. This lets it brown nicely and creates a better texture.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If it’s getting too dark, lower the heat slightly.
- Once cooked, don’t rush to add it back until the sauce is almost ready. This keeps it juicy!
Enjoy cooking this comforting dish with these tips!Your Tuscan Sausage Pasta will be a hit at the dinner table.
Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) casarecce or ziti pasta
For the Sausage and Veggies:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s well-browned and cooked all the way through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring it in for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the flavors meld.
6. Add Seasoning:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with the crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine Sausage and Spinach:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss it in. Add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts down into the sauce.
8. Mix in Parmesan:
Once the spinach is wilted, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
9. Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is well coated with sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy the flavors of Tuscan-inspired cooking!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Tuscan Sausage Pasta! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the final dish may have a slightly different texture or flavor.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on low heat and combine with the pasta, adding a bit of pasta water if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess.