This Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a cozy dish filled with tasty sausage, fresh tomatoes, and creamy sauce. It’s a real winner for dinner!
I love how simple it is to whip up—a little sautéing, a bit of stirring, and voilà! You have a hearty meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle works beautifully for this dish. If you can’t find them, any pasta shape you like—such as penne or spaghetti—will do just fine. I sometimes mix it up with whole wheat pasta for extra fiber!
Italian Sausage: I typically use mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor. If you’re in the mood for a kick, spicy sausage is a great option. For a lighter choice, turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted without sacrificing too much flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce, but you can opt for half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream if you want to lighten it up or make it dairy-free. Coconut cream works surprisingly well too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is fantastic for a pop of color and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, substitute with frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
How Can I Best Cook the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large skillet over medium heat. This gives the sausage room to brown and cook evenly.
- Break the sausage into crumbles with your spoon as it cooks. This helps it evenly brown and mix well with the sauce.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink and is nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. This extra time builds great flavor!
Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference in the taste of your dish!
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) wide pasta (such as fettuccine or pappardelle)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or use diced canned tomatoes)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened—around 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until it’s fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices into the pan. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. This creamy addition brings everything together beautifully.
6. Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they are wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce mixture. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing everything well until the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Tuscan Sausage Pasta is ready! Serve it immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle is ideal, you can swap in any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Sausage?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. You might want to add some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to mimic the flavors of Italian sausage.
What Should I Do with Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover Tuscan Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. This prevents the dish from becoming watery!
