Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Servings: 4
Calories: ~620 kcal per serving
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne or fettuccine pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes.

4. Add Tomatoes and Sauce Base:
   Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Combine:
   Add cooked sausage back to the skillet, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Mix with Pasta:
   Toss in the cooked pasta, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Season:
   Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.