Description
Mouthwatering creamy tuscan sausage pasta combines Italian comfort with rich, hearty flavors. Robust Italian sausage and tender pasta swirl together in a luxurious sauce that promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Pasta and Grains:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Liquids:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente following package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
- Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, browning thoroughly while breaking into small fragments.
- Introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 60 seconds.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, allowing mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and smooth consistency while stirring continuously.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until greens wilt and sauce thickens, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
- Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh basil leaves for an herbaceous finish and vibrant presentation.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.
Notes
- Substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild versions for a kid-friendly meal or use plant-based sausage alternatives for vegetarian diets.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace partially with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to create a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt added during seasoning, especially for individuals watching salt intake.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase fiber and vitamin content of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg