This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is a super easy and incredibly comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner recipe!
Oh man... I really liked this creamy sausage pasta recipe. I kept sneaking bites of the sauce before the pasta was cooked. I'm so bad at doing that. And I always forget to put the water on for the pasta. Sometimes until the sauce is entirely finished. I don't do new year's resolutions, but maybe putting the water for the pasta on BEFORE I start making the rest of the stuff is one I should implement. Sigh.
I have a few "Tuscan" (basically the sun-dried tomato + spinach combo and usually some basil and cream and plenty of garlic) recipes on here including my Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy Tuscan chicken breasts, Tuscan salmon, creamy Tuscan ravioli, and Tuscan shrimp. They're all variations of the same popular recipe. I just can't get enough of these flavors.
I had some Italian sausage in the fridge that needed using up, so this is where the idea for this recipe came from. Just adding another winner to the Tuscan collection. π
Pro tip: I used mild Italian sausage, but if you prefer some heat, try hot Italian or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to this dish.
I used fettuccine in this spinach sausage pasta recipe, but you can use any pasta you have on-hand. I tend to always prefer the "noodles" over the shapes, but to each their own. Want to try making your own pasta to make this dish extra special? My friend Krissy has a homemade pasta recipe for that. π
I've made this without basil before, but I do recommend adding it if you can.
I will definitely be making this again. I'd take sausage over chicken most of the time. π
Love sausage with pasta? Try this One Pan Tortellini with Sausage, my Easy Sausage Rigatoni or this Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta.
Will you make this Tuscan sausage pasta? Do you love the sun-dried tomatoes/spinach combo as much as I do?
Let me know in the comments below!
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is a super easy and incredibly comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used fettuccine)
- 10.6 ounces Italian sausages crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1.5 cups baby spinach (loosely packed)
- Small handful fresh basil chopped finely
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
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Take the sausages out of their casings and crumble the meat into a skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's nicely browned on the outside.
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Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. If there's a lot of fat, discard most of it.
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Add the garlic, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, flour, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir until well combined (be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan) and let it bubble for a minute or two.
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Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cream to the pan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Add the sausage back into the pan. Cook for another few minutes until the sauce has thickened up a bit.
- Stir in the basil and spinach. Let it cook for a minute or so until it wilts. Give the sauce a taste and season with extra salt & pepper if needed.
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Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Serve immediately with some freshly grated parmesan if desired.
Recipe Notes
- I used the julienned sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and drained the oil prior to adding them to the pan.
- I used 3 sausages from a 5-pack of Johnsonville mild Italian sausages. Anything in the ballpark weight-wise will work.
Jessica says
Thank you for this delicious recipe. It has quickly become one of our favorites! I wanted to share that I made it last time in my Instant Pot, and it came out rather well. I increased the broth to 2 cups (and mixed in the lemon juice and mustard before adding) so there'd be enough liquid to bring the pot to pressure and cook the pasta. I browned the sausage with the garlic on the saute function. There wasn't much drippings, so I left them in the pot. I poured in the broth/mustard/lemon juice mixture on top of the sausage, added the linguine on top of that, breaking it in half and pressing it down just enough to be mostly submerged in the broth. I sealed the pot and cooked those for five minutes under high pressure, and released after about 5-10 minutes. I reserved the cream, with the flour whisked into it, and the tomatoes and added those after, cooking for a few minutes on the saute function to thicken. The last thing I did was to stir in the spinach, basil and cheese just before serving. Turned out delicious!
Natasha says
You're welcome!! And thank you so much for including this detailed conversion for the IP! You've actually inspired me to try doing more pastas in my IP now haha.
Lauren says
I was kind of not sure about this recipe as Iβve never cooked with sun dried tomatoes but it was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing - youβre a genius! So easy and so yummy and so comforting!
Natasha says
Well I'm glad you decided to give it a try! So happy you liked it. π
Celia says
This is really good. But I did add a half of cup of extra chicken broth and 1/4 extra cup of heavy cream, along with a teaspoon of chicken bouillon to help make it more saucy as my family like more sauce. I also added 1 chopped fresh tomato, mushrooms, and more spinach. My husband loves it. Hoping my two toddlers will too tonight! Thank you
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it and were able to add more sauce! XO
Jess says
This has become a staple in my household over the last couple weeks. My boyfriend loves it and my friends canβt get enough of it. And truthfully probably the best pasta dish Iβve ever made
Natasha says
Wonderful!! I am so glad to hear that, Jess! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Nikki says
This was very good! Iβll definitely make again. I used steamed broccoli and half and half because thatβs what I had in hand. Yum! This was my first recipe from your website and Iβm looking forward to trying more.
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Let me know if you make anything else. XO π
Stephanie says
This was delicious! We added grape tomatoes too.
Natasha says
Wonderful!!
Linda says
I want to make this for supper but donβt have any whipping cream on hand. I do have coffee cream (half & half) will that work ..... perhaps a bit more flour for thickening?
Natasha says
You could try that. I think in this recipe it should be fine as long as you donβt let it boil. Yes, Iβd use a little more flour to thicken it up.
Julie says
Question - I can't have the lemon (or any citrus) will that affect the taste of the sauce if I omit it? Thank you. I'm looking forward making this.
Natasha says
Hi Julie! It'll still taste good without the lemon.
Lynn Eakes says
I need to double the recipe and make a few days ahead of time. Iβm taking this to have for βfirst nightβ of our family beach vacation. Weβll cook our pasta fresh of course!
Suggestions?
Iβll send a photo!
Natasha says
Hi Lynn! I think doubling it should be fine. I'd use a soup pot/Dutch oven type thing to make it. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to add the spinach in when you're reheating it... then it'll be a nicer color and less wilted. Up to you, though! Let me know how it goes. π
Wendy says
Another family favorite!! Not to heavy just perfect like always π₯°π₯°
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thanks for letting me know, Wendy! π
Pat says
This was so good! And fast! I added black olives and because I didnβt have sun dried tomatoes but did have fresh made salsa I plopped in some of that. Also when browning the sausage I added sweet colored bell pepper and onion. People asked dibs for the small container of leftovers.
Natasha says
I'm so glad it was a hit, Pat! π
Fran says
This was delicious and easy to make. Full of flavor!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!! Thanks for letting me know, Fran! π
Kristi Brink says
Delicious. I have many pasta recipes in my cooking toolbox (mostly in my head) so ithis was nice change and extremely easy to make. Instead of sundried tomatoβs, I roasted red and yellow cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of breads and parmigiano cheese. So good. Thank you.
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it!! Love the roasted tomatoes idea!
Randall Tucker says
5 stars, without question...Awesome recipe! Itβs been a hit every time Iβve made it, and I even used it to cater an impromptu wedding reception. Definitely a keeper and thanks for sharing!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! Thanks for letting me know. And it made it to a wedding... that's awesome! π
Meishia says
This is my JAM!!! Iβve made it a solid 5 times. I use spicy Italian sausage and add a bit more lemon than called for but besides that I change nothing!!! Honestly, this is one of the best things I make now! Thank you!!!!
Natasha says
That's awesome!!! π
Sharon Mangine says
Made this tonight to share with [...] family. My son whoβs currently competing on Top Chef ate 3 helpings then said great job Mom this is a keeper....win !
Natasha says
That makes me so happy, Sharon!! π Thanks for taking the time to comment! (I edited your comment to take out a buzzword due to the current events... bloggers have been advised that using these words could impact our search ranking so I'm being careful)
Amber says
I absolutely LOVED this meal!
Natasha says
Yay!!!
Toni says
Absolutely delicious!!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it, Toni!
Tracy S says
WOW! This was delicious. I was looking for something.... different, and had my eye on this recipe for awhile. My teenager and I loved making it together and eating it together. We can't wait to make this for friends and family. Truly considering making another dish and delivering to some friends! Thank you!
Natasha says
Aww that's awesome!! I am so happy it was a hit! π
Lori says
Excellent and so quick! I will definitely be making this again. This is my first time trying one of your recipes. I can see why your ratings are so high. Excited to try more recipes. As a fellow Edmontonian, Iβm glad I can easily find the ingredients in your recipes. Thanks Natasha!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you liked it!! Glad you found me! And it's always nice to hear from Edmonton folks. π
Maureen says
Yum!! This was really delicious (even with missing some ingredients [...]!) Thanks for your thorough directions! Will definitely be making this again.
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you found the directions easy to follow, Maureen - that's what I aim for. π (I edited your comment because bloggers have been told that using buzzwords surrounding the current events can negatively impact our Google ranking so Iβm not taking any chances).
Terri says
Delicious! I had to use what I had on hand & add a few items we love. I made with 1/2 lb each of Italian sausage & sweet Italian sausage & added some red pepper flakes. I sautΓ©ed 3 sliced mushrooms in a little left over grease from drained sausage. Then added garlic, sliced olives to mushrooms, along with about 8 sliced cherry tomatoes. I used Orchette pasta and used frozen spinach (all I had). Super yummy! Definitely will make again!
Natasha says
So glad it worked out!! π
Ash says
The best thing Iβve ever tasted! Iβve made it twice so far [...]
Natasha says
That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know! (I edited your comment because bloggers have been told not to use buzzwords associated with the current events because it may affect our search rankings, so I am erring on the side of caution)
Marianne says
Delicious! I couldn't find the jar of sun-dried tomatoes that I know I have SOMEWHERE. So roasted 1/2 ed grape tomatoes in the toaster oven. Added some pecorino romano, a handful of kalamata olives and some toasted pine nuts. Fabulous!!
Natasha says
Oooh good idea!! I'm so happy it worked out!
Mindy says
This was so good! Thank you.
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Mindy!
Cocoa Evans says
This was delicious π scrumptious π my family LOVED it. They are not veggie eaters so chopping up the spinach worked GREAT π and the sun dried tomatoes π π. I used sweet ground turkey sausage π. They asked that I make it again next week π
Thank you π
Natasha says
Awesome!! So glad you liked it, Cocoa!
Asg says
THE best thing Iβve ever eaten in my entire life!
Natasha says
Now that's a compliment! π
Jenny says
Hi
Thank you for a fab recipe. I did not have Tuscan sausage but used pork chipolatas and it worked perfectly. Will definitely make again.
Natasha says
Wonderful!!
Tbarrett says
This was fabulous!
Natasha says
Awesome!! Thanks for leaving me a comment! βΊοΈ
AngelaML says
Hi Natasha!
I made the chicken version a few weeks ago (overcooked the chicken) and couldn't wait to try the sausage version. Much, much easier to cook sausage then chicken! I substituted: chicken sausage with kale (5 links), fresh grape tomatoes instead of sun-dried, and more spinach. It was DELICIOUS! I even remembered the parmesan cheese this time, LOL.
My husband loved it too! Definitely a keeper and will be making it regularly from now on. I'm just really enjoying your recipes and blog!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased this one worked out for you haha π XO
Taylor says
If I use wine will it curdle?! Iβm nervous
Natasha says
It shouldn't!
Samantha says
I was hosting Christmas Eve Dinner at my house house but I had to work in the morning so I was looking for something easy and quick to make while my family was here. I saw the recipe online and it looked delicious. I was scared to make a new recipe for a large crowd but I felt I could fix it if there was a problem. And there was none! It was an amazing crowd pleaser. So delicious and easily doubled ! Everyone loved it. I didnβt change anything. Thanks for a great recipe, Iβll be keeping this one!
Natasha says
I am so glad it worked out!! π
Mel Lev says
Delicious! I had a mysterious case of the missing heavy cream and ended up having to use ALMOND MILK instead. It still turned out delicious! I used chicken broth and chardonnay which made it extra delicious. Also subbed out fresh roma tomatoes because i don't like sundries tomatoes. Worked perfectly. Will make again!
Natasha says
So glad it worked out! β₯οΈ
Katie says
If using milk instead of cream will adding more flour help to thicken up the sauce more?
Natasha says
It will, but be careful that you don't add too much or the sauce will taste too flour-y. Let me know how it goes!
Carolyn Kelly says
I love this recipe. Will make it again. I give it 5 stars!!!
Natasha says
Great!!
Ginny says
Thinking of making this for a dinner party. Can the sauce be prepared ahead of time? Maybe up to the lemon juice, then reheat and add sun dried tomatoes, cream, etc? Can't wait to try this!
Natasha says
I think that would work, Ginny! Let me know how it goes. π
Grace says
Yum ,, really enjoyed this
Natasha says
So glad, Grace! π
Sondra Ferrigno says
This was fantastic. The fresh basil really took this to the next level and took me no time at all to make with very little prep. Will be adding this to my normal rotation. Thanks for a great recipe!
Natasha says
I am so happy to hear it, Sondra!
Katherine says
So easy! Directions were simple and I really appreciated that you had notes on the sun dried tomatoes - something I've never cooked with. Will make again and again!
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it!! I'm pleased the notes helped π
Mike says
Made it with linguine noodles. Added some fresh red pepper for colour and did half and half white wine and chicken broth, and doubled the lemon. My wife and son are Taiwanese so new flavour for them. Not a scrap left, so thanks for this one (and several others) π
Natasha says
So glad it was a hit, Mike! π
Gina says
Such a simple recipe but doesnβt taste like one of those βweeknight timesavers.β Next time I make this, I am gonna crank out some homemade fettuccine...it is THAT worth my best effort! Even Mr. Picky loved it.
Natasha says
I am so happy that you enjoyed it so much, Gina! π I'm honored you'll try it with homemade pasta too! π
Samantha says
I made this for a quick weeknight dinner and ugh. So easy and simple but so delicious! I added more spinach and a touch less pasta, just cause of the ingredients I had on hand- but it was still amazing. Adding it to my recipe book!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it, Samantha! π
Pam says
It was delicious, I used ground sausage (hot Italian) and double the sauce recipe. Will make again hubby loved it. Thanks
Natasha says
Excellent!!
Debbie says
I made this last month and it rocked! I'm excited to serve it at a dinner party this weekend (per the request of my colleagues who had sampled it). I followed the recipe as-is. Thanks for a new Go-To!
Natasha says
Awesome... I hope everyone likes it! π
Tony says
Great dish, very tasty, will make it again.
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thanks, Tony!
DeAnn says
Made this while on vacation in a rental home so I had to improvise a bit. Couldnβt find sun-dried tomatoes in the little market nearby but I did have some cherry tomatoes.. I put them in the oven at a low temperature for about four hours and used them. No dijon either so used a tiny bit of horseradish I found. Also didnβt have the flour so used some grated Parmesan to thickenβ¦ It was not as fast or easy as your recipe, but it was fun & delicious. Home now and will make it as written. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Natasha says
You're very welcome! Sounds like the improvising went well, though. π
DeAnn says
Yes it was surprisingly goodβ¦ Everyone went crazy on it and said you have to remember how to do this! Still, I think itβll be better the way you wrote it. Making it tonight for neighborsβ¦ -dap
Natasha says
π
Katherine says
This was fabulous. I ended up adding chicken and lemon thyme and omitted the tomatoes and spinach (just because I didn't have them on hand) and it was still amazing. Thank you!
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!!
mish says
can it do without the dijon? or maybe sub dry mustard instead?
Natasha says
Sure!
C Merwin says
This is a superb recipe. Perfect in every way, though I did add more spinach and some crushed red pepper. Will be on regular rotation at our house!
Natasha says
So happy you enjoyed it!
AT says
Update: It was delicious. Everyone had seconds. Loved it so much I made another batch the next day since I still had the ingredients. Differently will add more spinach.
Natasha says
Yay! Awesome. π
Debby says
What if you don't have flour
Natasha says
The sauce wonβt be as thick.
Cyndy C. says
Could broccolini be used in place of the spinach?
Natasha says
Sure! I like that idea. Cooking time might have to be adjusted a tad, but I think it sounds delish!
Colleen says
Superb!
The flavors were amazing!
Natasha says
Excellent! Thanks for letting me know!
Shelly says
My family loved this! I didn't have all of the ingredients, so I improvised a little, but I did have the main ingredients and this recipe is a keeper! Thanks!
Natasha says
That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know! π
Dede says
I made this recipe last weekend for Father's Day and it's one of the best dishes I have ever made. So tasty! I will make it again and again. I ended up doubling the white wine (by mistake) and it was delicious. I want to make some more right now!
Natasha says
Yay I am so happy it worked out!! π
Nancy says
Winner winner sausage dinner. I used Jennie O spicy breakfast turkey sausage and sprinkled some dry chili spice at final few minutes to add a little heat. Our family loved it. Thank you!
Natasha says
Great! So happy to hear it went down well. π
Sophie says
Loved it!
Natasha says
Excellent!
Victoria Bondar says
Wow!!! This pasta recipe is to die for. All the flavors complement each other so well. Iβve already made it twice and I canβt get over how good it is. Thank you Natasha!
Natasha says
I am so happy you like it, Victoria! Thanks for leaving a sweet comment. π
Dawn says
This was an amazing dish and came together so easily and quickly! I didn't have sun dried tomatoes so I drained and roasted a can of tomatoes and it worked just fine. Next time I will try the sun dried. It was excellent using brown rice flour and serving over gluten free pasta as well. Thanks for sharing!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it! β€οΈβ€οΈ
Kathryn L Dawson says
Tried this tonight for dinner and it was fabulous! I look forward to trying the other variations.
Natasha says
Yay!! So happy to hear it, Kathryn.
Shelley says
Very tasty!
Natasha says
Thank you!! So glad you liked it.
Nicole R says
This was delicious! I used hot sausage and it gave the sauce a nice kick!! Thanks for this awesome recipe! So easy and I will make often!!
Natasha says
Yay! So glad you liked it, Nicole. π
Tracy says
Loved it.
Natasha says
Excellent!! Thank you!!
Trela says
Made this for my family this past week, and it was a HUGE hit. Absolutely delicious, and it came together so quickly.
Natasha says
That's great to hear, thanks Trela!
Mary Collins-Lyman says
This recipe was beyond fabulous...perfect combination of flavours!!π
Natasha says
Excellent!! Thanks so much for letting me know. π
Ann says
I've made this twice now, once with sweet italian sausage, and more recently with chicken/feta/basil sausage. Sooooooooo yummy. Thanks for the recipes and inspiration!
Natasha says
That's great! You are very welcome! π
saritha says
Wonderful , i am great fan of Italian food. Thanks for sharing ,
Niki says
Loved this dish! Will make it again for sure!
Natasha says
Yay! Thanks for letting me know. So glad you liked it.
Michael says
Made this last night and it was so delicious - Iβve made a variation of this with the chicken from your site before - but the sausage is so much better!! I put a tad more lemon juice in mine. Super easy to make as well.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it, Michael! I prefer the sausage version too. π
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
Pasta like this is the way to my heart!
Natasha says
Same! π
Leigh Ann says
That is a magical combination of flavors! I could eat this every night of the week!
Natasha says
Thank you π
Kim says
I totally agree! It's amazing!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
I love this bowl of pasta! Look so flavorful and delicious!
Natasha says
Thanks so much!
Taylor says
Iβve been obsessed with this lately. But I love adding the cheese into it instead of on top π we use chorizo instead of Italian sausage and the brand βBella sun luciβ sun dried tomatoβs with Italian Naismith seasoning. Loooove!!
Natasha says
Ooh that sounds fantastic! So glad you like this recipe! π
Hailey says
Made this for dinner tonight and it was excellent! This dish will definitely be added to the steady rotation of dinners in my house.
Natasha says
So happy to hear this!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Honestly, your pasta dishes always leave me drooling Natasha! This looks fabulous! All of your Tuscan recipes are delicious!
Natasha says
Aww thank you!
kierra says
could sweet Italian sausage be used as well ??
Natasha says
Absolutely!
Matt Robinson says
Love comfort meals like this, looks amazing!
Natasha says
Thanks so much! Happy New Year to you and the fam!
Christina says
Would love to try with mushrooms, would it alter this recipe much?
Natasha says
Hi Christina! I think it would taste just fine with mushrooms! I'd make sure to cook the liquid out of them so the sauce doesn't thin too much, but other than that consideration, I think it would be delicious.
AT says
Ya. I thought of adding mushrooms too. I assume you would pan cook the mushrooms and set it aside and add it back at the end. Making it tomorrow. Thinking of broccoli rabes as well.
Natasha says
Yup, that's what I'd do π