Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I love using cavatappi because its curls hold onto the sauce perfectly. You can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti works well!

Italian Sausage: Sweet Italian sausage adds great flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage is a fantastic substitute. Or go meatless with a veggie sausage!

Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like coconut cream can be good alternatives.

Spinach: Fresh spinach is mild and wilts nicely, but you can swap it out for kale or even frozen spinach (just thaw and drain it well) if that’s what you have.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, any hard cheese like Pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option works too!

How Do I Get that Sauce Just Right?

Making a creamy sauce can be tricky, but it’s all about mixing the right ingredients and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step to ensure your sauce is perfect:

• After browning the sausage, ensure to scrape any browned bits off the pan—these add great flavor.
• When adding cream, keep the heat low to avoid boiling, which can cause it to curdle.
• If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add in pasta water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• To help the sauce cling well to the pasta, toss them together in the skillet for a few minutes—this melds the flavors beautifully.

Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (such as cavatappi, fusilli, or penne)

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or mild, casings removed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 1 large tomato chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Tuscan Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes 10 minutes for cooking the pasta and 20 minutes for making the sauce. It’s perfect for a quick but impressive dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, save 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

2. Brown the Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, and let it brown nicely. This should take about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.

4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs:

Now it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes along with the dried Italian herbs. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. This will create a flavorful base for your sauce!

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth (or that reserved pasta water), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything is well mixed and creamy. Make sure to allow it to come together gently without boiling.

6. Add Spinach:

Fold in the fresh spinach leaves and cook them just until they wilt, which will take about 2 minutes. This adds a pop of freshness to the dish!

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Time to bring everything together! Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure to mix everything so the pasta is well coated with the creamy sausage sauce. Let it all cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Dishing up is the best part! Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and your choice of fresh parsley or basil on top. Enjoy this comforting and hearty meal!

This rich and satisfying Tuscan Sausage Pasta is packed with flavor, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Enjoy! 🍝

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While cavatappi, fusilli, or penne are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

If you’re looking for some heat, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan with the garlic for an added kick!

Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?

You can certainly prepare the sauce in advance. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet and toss in freshly cooked pasta until heated through.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.