Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a yummy dish that brings together spicy sausage and creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s colorful and packed with tasty flavors!
This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, and it comes together pretty quickly. I love how the sauce clings to the pasta—it makes every bite delicious! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the sauce. However, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer a different shape. Just check the cooking times for whatever type you choose!
Italian Sausage: You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you need a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tempeh or a plant-based sausage.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season or unavailable, canned diced tomatoes can be a good alternative. Just drain them to avoid excess liquid in your sauce.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the pasta its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is wonderful, but you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the dish!
How Do I Get the Right Sauce Consistency?
Getting the sauce just right can be tricky, but here’s how to get that perfect creamy consistency! Start by simmering the sauce after adding cream and broth. This allows it to thicken without being too runny. Here’s a simple method:
- After adding the cream and broth, let the mixture gently bubble for 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Watch as the sauce reduces; it should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
- If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, keep it simmering a tad longer!
You want a sauce that clings to the pasta nicely, so don’t rush this step! Enjoy the process, and your pasta will be delicious. 😊
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Sausage Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short time, you can enjoy a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a slight bite to it). When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s cooked through.
3. Add Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt! Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now it’s time for the spinach! Add it to the skillet and cook until it’s wilted down. It won’t take long; just a couple of minutes will do.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. It should thicken slightly during this time.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Season everything with salt and pepper to your taste, then give it another good stir.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that the pasta is nicely coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve up your Tuscan Sausage Pasta right away! Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves to brighten it up.
Enjoy your rich, creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta—a delightful dish that’s sure to satisfy and impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for this recipe, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the Italian sausage with crumbled tempeh or a plant-based sausage. This will still give you that hearty texture and flavor without the meat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the spinach. Just cook them until tender before adding the cream for a delicious twist!
