Tuscan Sausage Creamy Pasta

This creamy Tuscan sausage pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food when you want something hearty yet quick. With cavatappi noodles, savory smoked sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a lush parmesan cream sauce tossed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, it brings all the flavors of Tuscany to your weekday table in under forty minutes.

The first time I made this, my house smelled amazing and my family kept peeking into the kitchen to ask when it would be ready. It instantly became a regular on our dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• Cavatappi pasta: This curly noodle holds sauce beautifully For best results use a good quality Italian brand
• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives everything a rich flavor foundation Always pick one that smells peppery and fresh
• Smoked sausage: Adds delicious depth and a slight smokiness Slice it evenly for perfect browning
• Cherry tomatoes: They add juicy bursts of sweetness Go for firm brightly colored tomatoes
• Garlic: Brings that classic Italian zing Use fresh cloves and mince finely
• Tomato paste: Provides a robust tomato backbone to the sauce Look for the kind in a tube for maximum flavor
• Paprika: Lends a warm earthy note Choose a sweet or smoked version for extra character
• Oregano: Infuses a hint of classic Tuscan herbiness Dried oregano works perfectly here
• Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors Make sure your pasta water is salty like the sea
• Red pepper flakes: Add subtle heat Adjust to your preferred spice level
• Black pepper: Sharpens all the other flavors Use freshly ground if possible
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce ultrarich and silky Always check for cream that is bright white and fresh
• Chicken broth: Loosens up the sauce and adds savory depth Low sodium is best so you can control saltiness
• Parmesan cheese: Creates meltiness and serious umami flavor For best flavor grate your own from a wedge
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a tangy punch Rehydrate them briefly in hot water before chopping
• Baby spinach: Adds color and nutrition Look for tender young leaves without bruising
• Parsley: The perfect fresh garnish to finish it all off Chopped flatleaf works best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil Add the cavatappi and cook just until al dente It should be tender but still have a little bite Scoop out half a cup of pasta water when you drain it You will use that to help create a creamy sauce later

Sear the Sausage:

Set a large skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil Once it is shimmering lay in your sliced sausage Sear for about three minutes on each side until the edges are nicely browned and caramelized Transfer the sausage out of the pan for now

Blister Tomatoes and Add Garlic:

In the same skillet add your cherry tomatoes Let them cook for about two minutes until they start to blister and burst Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more to bring out its fragrance

Build the Flavor Base:

Add the tomato paste paprika oregano kosher salt red pepper flakes and black pepper Stir and cook for another one to two minutes The tomato paste will deepen in color and coat everything with its savory richness

Make the Sauce:

Lower the heat to mediumlow Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth Whisk it together gently until smooth Let it simmer for two or three minutes until slightly thickened then stir in the parmesan cheese Allow it to melt into the sauce for luxurious silkiness

Add Veggies:

Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach Stir and cook until the spinach just starts to wilt and everything is coated in sauce

Combine and Toss:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet Stir everything until the sausage is warmed through and coated in cream

Finish and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet Toss to coat with the sauce Slowly splash in some of the reserved pasta water if you want a looser silky sauce Serve up immediately with extra parmesan and plenty of chopped fresh parsley

Pin it

When I add that handful of parmesan at the end and watch it melt into the sauce it reminds me of making mac and cheese as a kid Every time we eat this together the cheesy smell has everyone gathering around the table

Storage Tips

Let the pasta cool completely before storing Transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days If reheating splash in a spoonful of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce tends to separate after thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap smoked sausage for spicy Italian sausage for more heat If you cannot find cavatappi choose penne or rigatoni Sun-dried tomatoes in oil work too just pat them dry before adding For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream but the sauce will not be quite as rich

Serving Suggestions

A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this pasta Try garlicky green beans or crusty Italian bread on the side If you like spice offer extra red pepper flakes at the table

Tuscan Inspiration

Creamy sausage pasta like this is inspired by rustic Tuscan kitchens hearty and unpretentious While traditional recipes use local Tuscan sausage this version captures those flavors with smoked sausage and plenty of aromatic herbs

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What pasta shapes work well in this dish?

Cavatappi is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great alternatives.

→ Can I substitute the smoked sausage?

Yes, use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even cooked chicken for a different taste.

→ What greens can I use besides spinach?

Kale or arugula offer similar texture and flavor. Add them just before serving to wilt gently.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Use extra parmesan cheese or reduce the sauce a bit longer for a thicker consistency.

→ Is this dish spicy?

Red pepper flakes add mild heat. Adjust or omit them to suit your personal spice preference.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.