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Isla Marie

Tuscan Sausage Pasta

A creamy, comforting Tuscan sausage pasta made with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, spinach, and tomatoes in a rich but balanced cream sauce. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying dinner without complicated steps.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
  • 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced or cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 3 –4 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Optional: grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Step 1. Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2. Brown the Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3. Build the Base
  1. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 4. Create the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and tomatoes. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 5. Add Spinach
  1. Add spinach and cook just until wilted.
Step 6. Combine Everything
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 7. Finish and Serve
  1. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Top with parmesan if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Browning the sausage first builds most of the flavor—don’t rush this step.
  • Keep heat low once cream is added to prevent splitting.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.