Description
Indulgent Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta brings Mediterranean comfort straight to home kitchens with rich, hearty flavors. Savory Italian sausage and tender pasta create a delightful meal you cannot resist exploring.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (150 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Herbs, Spices, and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Crumble sausage and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Simmer for 5-6 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich mixture.
- Add fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and become tender, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a vibrant finish before serving immediately.
Notes
- Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace half with Greek yogurt to lower fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring the dish remains equally delicious and satisfying.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra spinach or incorporating roasted zucchini and bell peppers for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg