Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely. You can substitute pork Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Pasta shapes with ridges or hollows such as rotini, fusilli, or fettuccine work best because they trap the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast flakes for a dairy-free creamy pasta alternative.

Is it necessary to use tomato paste?

Tomato paste is optional but recommended, as it deepens the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce’s color and texture.

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Name: Creamy Tuscan Pasta with Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or fettuccine); 1/2 pound spicy or mild Italian sausage, crumbled (chicken or pork, casings removed); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced; 2-3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for enhanced flavor); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 cups fresh spinach; Fresh basil, torn or chopped, for garnish; 1 teaspoon flour or Dijon mustard for thickening sauce; Lemon juice for added brightness (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or fettuccine)
1/2 pound spicy or mild Italian sausage, crumbled (chicken or pork, casings removed)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced
2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for enhanced flavor)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 cups fresh spinach
Fresh basil, torn or chopped, for garnish
1 teaspoon flour or Dijon mustard for thickening sauce
Lemon juice for added brightness (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water, then drain.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage without additional oil until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease.
3. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth (or wine), heavy cream, and the optional thickening agent. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, cooking for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and clings to the pasta. If too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water.
6. Stir in spinach and basil, cooking just until spinach wilts. Season with salt and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.

Notes

🥛 Use heavy cream for optimal creaminess; lighter options might curdle.
🍝 Select any pasta shape; those with ridges or hollows (like shellbows) hold the sauce well.
🌱 For variations, replace spinach with arugula, Swiss chard, or broccoli.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Rich and Creamy

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving