Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a luscious cream sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and elegant—perfect for weeknights or date nights.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Why This Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Is the Best
Rich and Flavorful Sauce: Made with cream, garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes for deep, savory flavor.
Hearty and Satisfying: Sausage adds protein and a bold, meaty bite that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup and a quick cook time make this a go-to dinner option.
Elegant but Easy: It feels like restaurant-quality pasta, but you can whip it up in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, feeding a family, or meal prepping for the week, Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s versatile enough for casual nights or special occasions.
Ingredient Notes
For the Pasta:
- Rigatoni Pasta: Thick, ridged tubes perfect for catching every bit of the creamy, savory sauce.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Choose mild, sweet, or hot depending on your spice preference—adds bold flavor and heartiness.
- Butter + Olive Oil: A rich base for sautéing that enhances the depth of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Julienne-cut and chopped, these bring a tangy, umami punch to balance the creaminess.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced for a robust aromatic base.
- Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those tasty bits into the sauce and adding subtle acidity.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated and stirred in for nutty, salty richness.
- Baby Spinach: Gently wilted into the hot sauce for a pop of color and a nutritious touch.
- Italian Seasoning + Paprika: An herby-spiced combo that rounds out the savory profile.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to make everything pop.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (Optional): A final flourish of color and freshness for garnish.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Brown the Sausage Well: Let it develop a golden crust for maximum flavor.
- Use Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For the creamiest texture, don’t skimp on the richness.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a sweet-tangy punch that cuts through the creaminess.
- Add Pasta Water if Needed: A splash of reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and coat the noodles perfectly.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in freshly grated parmesan for extra depth and a silky finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- With Roasted Veggies: Try serving with roasted zucchini or asparagus for a complete meal.
A Must Try
Imagine twirling your fork through tender pasta smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce loaded with juicy sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach. Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is that kind of meal—cozy, indulgent, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor. It’s the comfort food your weeknight routine has been missing!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Tuscan Lemon Chicken
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
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Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz. rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup dry chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 3 oz. fresh baby spinach about 3 cups tightly packed
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley/basil to garnish chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain, give it a quick rinse, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up as you go. Let it brown until it’s golden around the edges—this should take about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about a minute (see notes for extra flavor tips!).
- Toss in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it smells deliciously fragrant.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low, pour in the chicken broth, and use your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts right into the creamy sauce.
- Add the sausage and pasta back to the pan and give everything a good toss so it’s nicely coated in the sauce.
- Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even more Parmesan if you like—and serve it up hot!
- Enjoy every bite!
Notes
- Substitute the Spinach – No spinach? No problem! Try swapping it for fresh basil, asparagus spears, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for a fresh twist.
- Add More Flavor – For an extra boost, sauté some freshly chopped yellow onions in the butter before adding the sun-dried tomatoes. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta