Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich, comforting pasta dish inspired by classic Tuscan flavors. Made with savory Italian sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite. The melted cheese creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making it hearty and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish is easy to make and feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you love creamy, cheesy pasta with a savory twist, Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Rich, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Made with savory Italian sausage
- Creamy Tuscan-style sauce
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is ideal if you want a comforting pasta dish that’s quick but still impressive. The combination of sausage, cheese, and Tuscan ingredients creates deep flavor without complicated steps. It’s a great option when you want something hearty, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Step 1 — Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed.
Step 2 — Build the Flavor
Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the sausage. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and paprika.
Step 3 — Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4 — Make It Cheesy
Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5 — Finish with Spinach
Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6 — Serve
Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 32g
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth sauce
- Don’t boil aggressively after adding cream
- Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well
- Drain excess sausage grease if needed
- Add spinach at the end to keep it fresh
Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken sausage instead of pork
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
What to Serve with Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Crusty bread
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta
- Using pre-shredded cheese only
- Skipping seasoning
- Letting sauce boil too hard
- Adding spinach too early
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth
- Not freezer-friendly due to cream sauce
Conclusion
Cheesy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and classic Tuscan ingredients. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving rich, cheesy pasta.
General Information
- Course: Main Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with extra liquid.
What sausage works best?
Italian sausage, mild or spicy, works perfectly.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes, use half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version.