If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting creaminess all in one bowl, this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe will hit every note beautifully. Imagine tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from browned Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a dreamy blend of cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. Once you try it, this pasta will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first key to nailing this dish. Each one adds a distinct touch—whether it’s the spicy depth of Italian sausage or the bright pop of sun dried tomatoes, every component plays its part in crafting that rich, balanced flavor and appealing texture.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: A sturdy shape that holds the sauce well for every bite.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed: Provides the savory, meaty base packed with herbs and spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the sausage beautifully and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its irresistible aromatic savory punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional: Adds a gentle heat to brighten the flavors.
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Gives a chewy, tangy contrast that elevates the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Brings depth and richness to the sauce’s base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky texture that coats the pasta indulgently.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfectly balanced mix of herbs to tie all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all other ingredients without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and finishes the sauce.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Brings a pop of color and freshness to the creamy dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish: Offers an aromatic, vibrant topping that’s visually inviting.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is essential because the seasoning in the water ensures your penne pasta is flavorful throughout. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water after draining—it’s a little secret that helps later when you want to loosen the sauce to just the right consistency.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon, so it cooks evenly and develops a rich, golden-brown crust. This browning process introduces amazing depth and umami flavors that form the heart of this creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe. It should take about 6 to 8 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked through.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Once the sausage is looking perfect, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook just about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step ensures you don’t burn the garlic but release its sweet, aromatic essence. Then stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the sausage and garlic for about a minute. These tomatoes add a tangy, slightly chewy texture that beautifully contrasts with the creaminess ahead.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. This adds even more dimension to your sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth. This step transforms the sauce into the luxurious coating our pasta dreams are made of.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Sauce
Now add your cooked penne and fresh spinach right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water—this keeps everything perfectly saucy and balanced in texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your masterpiece with the fresh chopped basil sprinkled over the top. Not only does it add a touch of color, but it also infuses a bright herbal note that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate the presentation, you can add extra freshly grated Parmesan for a salty finishing touch or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a glossy shine. A few more basil leaves scattered on top bring a fresh aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This creamy Italian sausage pasta pairs perfectly with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, adding a refreshing balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with basil sprigs as crowns. Alternatively, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes right before serving to add texture and a little extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy Italian sausage sun dried tomato pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a viable option. However, because the sauce contains cream, the texture might change slightly on thawing. To minimize this, cool the pasta completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers and stir well when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through, careful not to overcook the spinach.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce wonderfully, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will also work nicely. Choose pasta shapes that can catch the sauce in their ridges or curves for the best experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms seasoned with Italian herbs to maintain that savory punch without meat.
How spicy is this pasta?
The dish has a mild warmth, primarily from the optional red pepper flakes and the sausage’s natural seasoning. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes or choosing mild versus hot sausage.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
Certainly! Half and half or even whole milk can be used to lighten the dish, but keep in mind it might not be as thick and rich. Adding a small amount of cream cheese or a roux can help thicken the sauce if desired.
What wines pair well with this pasta?
A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully to cut through the creaminess, while a light red like Chianti complements the sausage flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and comfort that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies big cravings and brings smiles around the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy every rich, savory bite as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining savory Italian sausage, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting Italian-American main course perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Protein and Fat
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil for garnish
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Sun Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavor.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse flavor.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top as a garnish. Serve the pasta warm for a creamy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This pasta pairs excellently with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
