Creamy Sausage Pasta – A Decadent Tuscan-Inspired Delight

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with bold flavors, this Creamy Sausage Pasta is about to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation! With savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors.

The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a cozy date night at home. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a beautiful Tuscan touch, while the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with a deliciously nutty finish.

Let’s get started on this creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying pasta dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this restaurant-worthy creamy sausage pasta, here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

✔️ 1 lb Italian sausage – Mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
✔️ 8 oz pasta – Any kind works, but penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce best.
✔️ 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps cook the sausage evenly.

For the Creamy Sauce:

✔️ 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because every great pasta dish needs garlic!
✔️ 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
✔️ 1 cup chicken broth – Helps balance the richness of the cream.
✔️ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon pepper – For perfectly seasoned sauce.

For Extra Flavor & Texture:

✔️ 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped – Adds freshness and color.
✔️ ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Brings a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
✔️ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Quick Prep & Cooking Time

⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook)
🍽 Servings: 4

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3️⃣ Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining! If you need to loosen up the sauce later, this starchy water will help create an even silkier texture.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
3️⃣ Once browned, remove excess grease if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: If using spicy Italian sausage, you’ll get a slight heat that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1️⃣ Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
2️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

🔥 At this point, your kitchen will smell AMAZING!

At this point, your Italian sausage is browned, and your onions and garlic are sizzling with flavor. Now, it’s time to create that rich, creamy sauce that makes this dish so incredibly indulgent. With a combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan, we’re about to take this pasta to the next level!

Let’s keep going and bring everything together!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1️⃣ In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
2️⃣ Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
3️⃣ Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a little longer or stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan!

Step 5: Add the Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1️⃣ Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
2️⃣ Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the flavors blend beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. If you love extra flavor, try using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for an even deeper taste!

Step 6: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

1️⃣ Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
2️⃣ Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it extra cheesy and delicious.
3️⃣ Let everything heat through for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it even silkier!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Now, it’s time to plate up this heavenly creamy sausage pasta!

✔️ Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
✔️ Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the sauce is creamy.
✔️ Pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the perfect meal!

💡 Pro Tip: Want a little heat? Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick of spice!

Fun Variations & Customizations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun ideas:

✔️ Switch the Protein: Try using chicken, ground turkey, or even shrimp instead of sausage!
✔️ Use a Different Pasta: Swap the pasta for fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gnocchi.
✔️ Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter version.
✔️ Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas would be a great addition!

Your Creamy Sausage Pasta is plated, steaming hot, and bursting with flavor from the savory Italian sausage, velvety Parmesan sauce, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about making this dish ahead of time, storing leftovers, and customizing the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta for up to 2 days in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed, then toss in freshly cooked pasta.

2. How do I store leftovers?

✔️ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freezer: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. How do I reheat this pasta without drying it out?

✔️ Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce.
✔️ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a bit of liquid to keep it creamy.

4. What pasta works best for this dish?

✔️ Penne or rigatoni – Holds the sauce well with its ridged surface.
✔️ Fettuccine or linguine – Perfect for a luxurious, creamy bite.
✔️ Farfalle (bowtie) – Adds a fun texture to the dish.

5. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Here are some great options:
✔️ Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner alternative to sausage.
✔️ Shrimp – Adds a seafood twist to the dish.
✔️ Bacon or pancetta – For an extra smoky flavor.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! If you love heat, try these additions:
✔️ Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
✔️ Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
✔️ Stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute:
✔️ Coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
✔️ Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Sausage Pasta is the perfect blend of comforting, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal that feels fancy but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.

✔️ Ready in just 30 minutes – Perfect for a quick meal.
✔️ Rich & creamy – A velvety sauce that coats every bite.
✔️ Customizable – Switch up the protein, pasta, or veggies to fit your taste.
✔️ Great for leftovers – Enjoy it the next day with minimal effort.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with the classic version, or did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below and share your favorite variations!

Happy cooking! 🍝✨

Print