Tuscan Sausage Pasta

If you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta that’s quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like a gourmet meal, Tuscan Sausage Pasta is exactly what you need. With cavatappi pasta coated in a rich cream sauce, juicy smoked sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort.

The recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend dinner. Its creamy sauce, balanced with savory sausage and bright vegetables, makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta has something for everyone.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Here’s why this Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a must-add to your dinner rotation:

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-packed: Smoked sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan create a rich, savory dish.
• Balanced and hearty: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl.
• Flexible and customizable: Adjust spice, add more vegetables, or swap pasta types.
• Family-friendly: Creamy sauce and familiar flavors make it appealing to all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, dreamy pasta coated in a luscious sauce.
• Juicy smoked sausage adds savory depth.
• Sun-dried tomatoes provide tangy sweetness, balancing the cream.
• Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition.
• Easy one-skillet sauce makes cleanup simple.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 6 and includes simple, flavorful ingredients for a weeknight-friendly meal.

Pasta

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or any short pasta you prefer)

Protein

• 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Vegetables & Flavorings

• 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup (8 whole / 120 g) sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water, drained, chopped
• 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, chopped

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (120 g / 4 ounces) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sauce and sausage
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk for sauce
• Tongs or spatula for stirring
• Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta. Set aside.

Cooking the Sausage

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add sliced smoked sausage and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.

Making the Sauce

5. In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 2 minutes until they start to blister.
6. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
7. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until tomato paste deepens in color.

Adding Cream and Cheese

8. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
9. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Incorporating Vegetables & Sausage

10. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook 1–2 minutes until spinach is slightly wilted.
11. Return smoked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.

Finishing the Dish

12. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat pasta in the creamy sauce.
13. Use reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
14. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Pasta alternatives: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well.
• Vegetable additions: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can add color and nutrition.
• Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Protein swap: Italian chicken sausage or turkey sausage works as a leaner option.
• Make-ahead: Prepare sausage and sauce ahead, then cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Creamy and savory: Heavy cream, Parmesan, and smoked sausage provide a rich base.
• Tangy sweetness: Sun-dried tomatoes add a bright contrast.
• Earthy and fresh: Spinach and parsley add color and freshness.

Suggested Sides

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Simple arugula or Caesar salad
• Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
• Light citrus salad for contrast

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (1 of 6 servings):

• Calories: 548 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Dietary notes: Contains dairy, gluten (from pasta), high in protein and fat, vegetarian-friendly if sausage is plant-based.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Sauce preparation: Make the creamy sauce up to 2 days ahead; reheat gently.
• Sausage: Cook and slice sausage in advance.
• Pasta: Best cooked fresh, but leftover pasta can be reheated in the sauce.
• Storage: Store pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works perfectly.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.

4. Can I use chicken sausage instead?
Yes, lean chicken or turkey sausage works well.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.

6. Can this be reheated?
Yes, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent curdling.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Cook pasta	8–10 min
Cook sausage	6–8 min
Make sauce	5–6 min
Incorporate vegetables & sausage	3–4 min
Combine with pasta & finish	3–4 min
Total	35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for color and flavor.
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with extra olive oil for a richer taste.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Tuscan Sausage Pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
2. Vegetable-packed version: Include mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for extra nutrients.
3. Low-carb version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
4. Seafood twist: Replace sausage with sautéed shrimp for a seafood variation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Sausage:

• Adds a savory, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Browning enhances flavor through caramelization.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

• Provide a tangy-sweet flavor and concentrated umami.
• Soaking in hot water rehydrates and softens for even cooking.

Spinach:

• Adds freshness, color, and nutrition.
• Wilts quickly in hot sauce, preserving texture and vitamins.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always reserve pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency.
• Sear sausage before adding to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Add spinach at the end to avoid overcooking and turning it mushy.
• Whisk cream and chicken broth thoroughly before adding cheese for a silky sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Sauce and cooked pasta can be frozen separately; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	548 kcal
Protein	22 g	Moderate
Carbohydrates	45 g	From pasta
Fat	32 g	From cream & sausage
Fiber	3 g	From spinach & tomatoes
Sugar	4 g	Natural sugars from vegetables

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten, high-protein, and can be made low-carb with zucchini noodles.

Expanded Conclusion

Tuscan Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food: creamy, savory, and full of flavor. Juicy smoked sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with cavatappi pasta creates a meal that’s simple yet impressive.

Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prep, this pasta is adaptable, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite. Serve warm, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner in just 35 minutes.

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