Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

When I made this Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for the first time, I couldn’t believe how something so rich and flavorful came together in under an hour.

The sauce was creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlicky goodness, while the sun-dried tomatoes added a tangy punch that paired beautifully with the savory sausage.

I felt like I had just made something from a fancy Italian restaurant—right in my own kitchen. It’s now one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something easy but impressive. Let me show you how you can make it too!

Ingredients

Let’s go over what you’ll need and why each ingredient makes this dish so amazing:

Penne pasta – It holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use rigatoni or farfalle, too.
Ground Italian sausage – Go with mild or spicy depending on your taste. I love the spicy one for an extra kick.
Heavy cream – This gives the dish its rich and velvety texture. Don’t substitute with milk—it won’t be as luscious.
Chicken broth – Adds depth and thins the sauce just enough without making it watery.
Garlic powder – A simple way to get that warm, savory flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
Italian seasoning – Brings in classic herb notes that tie the whole dish together.
Parmesan cheese – Always use freshly grated for better melt and bolder flavor. Pre-grated can be waxy.
Fresh spinach – Adds color and freshness. Avoid frozen spinach—it holds too much water.
Sun-dried tomatoes – These provide a tangy, slightly sweet contrast that lifts the richness of the sauce.

Note: This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

Variations

There’s room to play around with ingredients depending on your preferences:

Lighter Option – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a less rich version.
Vegetarian Version – Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based sausage.
Extra Heat – Use hot Italian sausage or stir in red pepper flakes for added spice.
Gluten-Free – Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

A few simple tools will help get this dish on the table quickly:

Large pot – For boiling your pasta until perfectly al dente.
Deep skillet or sauté pan – Where all the magic happens (sausage + sauce).
Slotted spoon or silicone spatula – To stir and combine everything without damaging your cookware.
Cheese grater – Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big flavor difference.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Here’s how I make it from scratch:

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the package. You want the pasta firm but tender. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside—you’ll come back to it in a bit.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Break it up into small pieces using a spoon or spatula. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once it’s done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra grease.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon—smooth and rich.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 2–3 minutes. The spinach will wilt beautifully, and the tomatoes will soften and release their sweet-tangy flavor into the sauce.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Stir everything together so the pasta is fully coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce. Let it all simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors really come together. And you’re done!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some extra nuggets I’ve learned after making this dish a few times:

Always use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and tastes richer than the pre-packaged kind.
Don’t let the pasta sit too long before mixing it into the sauce; hot pasta absorbs sauce better.
If using frozen spinach, squeeze it completely dry before adding, or your sauce may turn watery.
Warm the chicken broth slightly before adding it to the cream—it helps avoid curdling.
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes—they really brighten up the creamy base.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta?

This dish looks gorgeous when served in a big ceramic bowl or plated individually for a more elegant presentation. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and add a few torn basil leaves or chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.

I usually serve it with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce. A light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness perfectly. For an extra treat, pair it with a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at what each serving provides:

Calories: 778
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fat: 59g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.
Freezing: You can freeze it, but the cream may separate. If you do, eat it within 3 months and reheat gently.
Reheating: Warm it in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s what makes this pasta recipe a favorite in my house:

Quick and Easy: You can have a restaurant-style dish ready in just 40 minutes.
One-Pan Cooking: Less cleanup, more flavor—it all comes together in a single skillet.
Customizable: You can easily adjust it for spice, diet, or pantry availability.
Comforting and Rich: The flavors are bold, creamy, and comforting—perfect for chilly nights.
Impressive Yet Simple: It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.

Ash Tyrrell