If you are craving a dish that brings vibrant Italian flavors straight to your table, this Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort meal. With tender, al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil, every bite bursts with warmth and richness. The savory Italian sausage adds a hearty depth that perfectly balances the bright hints of lemon and the subtle tang of Dijon mustard. This recipe is a celebration of simple yet bold ingredients, coming together effortlessly to create a dish that satisfies both the soul and the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, plus a few special touches that elevate the entire dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating a creamy texture, and adding beautiful pops of color to your plate.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fettuccine recommended): Choosing fettuccine helps the sauce cling beautifully for every forkful.
- 11 ounces Italian sausages: Removing the casings allows you to crumble and brown the sausage perfectly, adding hearty flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine: Either liquid lifts the flavors and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that brightens the cream and balances richness.
- 1 teaspoon flour: Helps thicken the sauce to luscious perfection without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing to lighten the creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet and slightly chewy burst of umami color.
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream: The star for creating that indulgent, velvety sauce.
- 1.5 cups fresh baby spinach (loosely packed): Fresh greens bring color and a nutritious balance to every bite.
- Small handful fresh basil (torn or chopped): Basil offers a fragrant herbaceous note that completes the flavor profile.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the rich flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use generously at serving time for an extra savory finish.
How to Make Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Begin with boiling a large pot of well-salted water. Cook your 8 ounces of pasta according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente bite—tender but still firm. This texture is crucial to balancing the creamy sauce so the pasta doesn’t become mushy and can soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta bubbles away, remove the casings from the sausages and crumble the meat into a hot skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage develops a lovely caramelized brown crust on the outside – this browning step is what brings intense flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Set Sausage Aside and Prepare the Base
Once browned, take the sausage out of the pan and set it aside. If your skillet has a lot of excess fat, carefully discard most, leaving just enough to cook the garlic and build your sauce without greasiness.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
Into the same skillet, add the minced garlic, chicken broth (or white wine), Dijon mustard, flour, and lemon juice. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the pan bottom. Let this mixture bubble gently for a couple of minutes, which helps thicken the sauce and intensify the flavors.
Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream
Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the cream. Allow the sauce to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, giving it time to thicken slightly and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Return Sausage to the Pan
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with your creamy sauce. Stir gently and let everything cook together for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to combine harmoniously.
Step 7: Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Spinach
Finally, fold in the torn basil and fresh baby spinach. Cook just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the basil to release its fragrance—this adds a fresh burst of color and flavor to your Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure each element shines through.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and immediately toss it into the skillet with the sauce. Coating every strand in that rich, savory creaminess is the best part. Serve the pasta piping hot, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a perfect finish.
How to Serve Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a light drizzle of good olive oil add brightness and a subtle complexity. A pinch of red chili flakes can also add a tantalizing kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
To balance the rich creaminess of the pasta, pair it with crisp, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a wonderful contrast. Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome companion, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow friends or family? Serve the Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top and add a lemon wedge to give each serving a fresh pop of citrus. For a casual gathering, a large family-style platter encourages sharing and makes the meal feel warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this tasty Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe, cool them quickly and transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, but since pasta texture changes in the freezer, it’s best to cook fresh pasta when reheating. If freezing the entire dish, use a freezer-friendly container and consume within a month for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This prevents curdling and restores its creamy goodness. Microwave reheating also works — cover and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is recommended for its sauce-hugging texture, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even linguine depending on your preference. Just ensure your pasta cooks al dente for the best result.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or use a blend of milk and cream cheese. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich or thick, but it will still be lovely and flavorful.
How spicy is this Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe?
It typically offers a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the Italian sausages you choose. If you prefer more heat, pick spicy sausages or add red pepper flakes while cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture a few hours in advance and reheat just before serving. Cook the pasta fresh to maintain perfect texture, then toss it with the warmed sauce at serving time.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a terrific depth of sweet, tangy flavor that complements the sausage perfectly. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with chopped roasted red peppers or omit them, but the dish may lose some complexity.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe a try—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors makes it a standout in any weeknight rotation or special dinner. Once you taste how effortlessly the ingredients come together, you’ll understand why this dish is a beloved classic worth returning to again and again.
Print
Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan Sausage Pasta combining savory Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and basil in a rich cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This comforting dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (fettuccine recommended)
Sausage & Sauce
- 11 ounces Italian sausages (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Greens & Herbs
- 1.5 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach
- Small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
- Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, remove the sausage meat from its casings and crumble it into a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Pan: Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set aside. If there’s excess fat in the pan, discard most of it, leaving just enough to sauté the garlic.
- Create the Sauce Base: To the skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth (or dry white wine), Dijon mustard, flour, and lemon juice. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream and Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Allow this to cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce begin to thicken.
- Combine Sausage and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional few minutes until the sauce has thickened further.
- Incorporate Greens and Herbs: Add the fresh basil and baby spinach to the skillet. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sausage sauce. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use Italian sausages with your preferred spice level; mild or spicy both work well.
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for added depth of flavor.
- To reduce fat, drain excess sausage grease before adding the sauce ingredients.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Fresh basil enhances flavor, but dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
