Tuscan Sausage Creamy Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces (225 g) cavatappi pasta

→ Protein

02 - 12 ounces (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced into 6 mm rounds

→ Vegetables and Herbs

03 - 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, chopped
05 - ½ cup (about 8 whole) sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water, drained, chopped
06 - Parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Sauce and Seasoning

07 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 1 teaspoon paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
12 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
13 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
16 - ½ cup (120 g) chicken broth
17 - ¾ cup (75 g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes or until blistered. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until tomato paste darkens in color.
05 - Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, then incorporate grated parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing spinach to wilt slightly.
07 - Return the seared sausage to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Gradually splash in reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Reserve pasta water before draining to help achieve a silky sauce texture.
02 - For added depth, use high-quality smoked sausage and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.

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