If you’re craving a dinner that’s rich, soul-warming, and destined to become a weeknight favorite, look no further than this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Juicy Italian sausage, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy Parmesan-infused cream sauce come together for the ultimate comfort meal. The way the sauce hugs every piece of penne is downright irresistible! Whether it’s a dinner with friends or just celebrating making it through Tuesday, this pasta checks all the boxes—flavor, color, and just enough sophistication without any fuss.

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of carefully chosen ingredients can create layers of flavor in one skillet. Each piece plays its own delicious role in making this pasta so much more than the sum of its parts.

Penne Pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to soak up every creamy drop of sauce and keep things delightfully hearty.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Adds bold, savory depth—choose spicy for extra kick or mild for a more classic flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a touch to help brown the sausage and start the sauce on a delicious note.
Garlic: Essential for fragrant, savory undertones—don’t be shy with it.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: Brings a sweet-tangy chew and a beautiful pop of color.
Heavy Cream: Turns the sauce silky, rich, and undeniably luxurious.
Chicken Broth: Adds a subtle savory backbone that balances the richness of the cream.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty goodness—freshly grated is best.
Fresh Spinach: Wilted in at the end for a flash of green and tender bite.
Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with herby, aromatic notes that round everything out.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of gentle heat.
Salt and Black Pepper: Crucial for dialing the flavors in just right—taste as you go!
Fresh Basil: A final sprinkle brings freshness and elevates every bite.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Set a large pot of salted water to boil, and cook the penne pasta until it’s just al dente. This gives you that perfect “bite” in every forkful. Make sure to set aside half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—the secret weapon for getting your sauce just right later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sausage (casings removed), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through—about five to six minutes. The sausage should be crumbly with crisp, golden edges.

Step 3: Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato Magic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and those irresistible sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—this step brings everything together and builds the flavor base of your sauce.

Step 4: Pour in Cream and Broth

Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer; you’ll see the sauce start to come together, with the cream and broth mingling with all those sausage bits and tomatoes.

Step 5: Cheese, Seasonings, and Sauce Perfection

It’s time for the magic touch: stir in Parmesan cheese and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for another two to three minutes—just long enough for it to thicken slightly and become irresistible.

Step 6: Spinach Time

Gently fold in the fresh spinach, stirring until it’s wilted and vibrant green. Don’t be surprised at how much it shrinks, leaving just enough for a tender pop in every bite.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece. If the sauce seems a little thick, splash in the reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and clings to the noodles. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), plus salt and black pepper to taste. Finish with a generous scatter of fresh chopped basil for that classic Italian finish.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touches will make your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta restaurant-worthy. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few ribbons of fresh basil, and maybe a crack of black pepper just before serving—all of these take your plate from homemade to “wow.”

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some rustic garlic bread to mop up the sauce. Don’t forget a glass of Italian red for good measure!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to show off, try arranging the pasta on a platter, swirling it into little nests, and tucking in extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil as edible decoration. For date nights or dinner parties, portion it into shallow bowls to show off the vibrant colors, letting those spinach greens and red tomato pieces really shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it’s just as wonderful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to one month. For best results, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. When you reheat, be gentle to preserve the creamy sauce texture—but know that the taste will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or extra broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through, and garnish with fresh basil just before serving for that burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne is traditional, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will all work beautifully in Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Just choose your favorite shape and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result is just as creamy and robust.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version of Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. Plant-based creams work well for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to get creative! Swap out or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Just add them in the sauté step so they cook through and soak in all those great flavors.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Be sure not to boil the sauce too vigorously after adding the cream and cheese. A gentle simmer is all you need. Adding the reserved pasta water also helps keep the sauce silky and beautifully emulsified in your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress or just want to treat yourself, give this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta a try. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat, bursting with flavor and completely fuss-free. Let your kitchen fill with those irresistible aromas—and don’t forget to invite someone special to enjoy it with you!

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Sauce:

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Sausage: In a skillet, brown sausage in olive oil. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook until fragrant.
Make Sauce: Pour in cream and broth, simmer. Stir in Parmesan and seasoning; thicken sauce.
Finish Dish: Add spinach, cooked pasta, and reserved water. Season and garnish with basil.