Get ready to fall in love with a bowl of pure comfort: Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is everything you crave in a weeknight pasta dinner. Think perfectly cooked noodles twirled in a luscious, velvety cream sauce, bursting with the rich flavors of sautéed Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and just the right kick of garlic and spice. Every bite is a little adventure through an Italian countryside, wrapped in a dinner that’s effortless enough for busy nights but decadent enough to wow guests. If you’re searching for a dreamy pasta that effortlessly balances hearty and luxurious, this one is about to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish shine is the simplicity and magic of classic Italian ingredients. Each item brings something unique, from depth of flavor to that irresistible creamy texture, so don’t skip a thing—these essentials are the heart and soul of Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.
- Pasta (12 oz penne or fettuccine): Go for a sturdy shape like penne or a wide noodle like fettuccine—they hold the sauce beautifully!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash of good olive oil adds richness and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): Sweet or spicy, this is the foundation of all that savory flavor—don’t forget to remove the casings for easy crumbling.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for that aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): The classic blend of herbs delivers that signature Italian comfort.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, warming heat that doesn’t overpower—customize to your taste.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, oil-packed & drained, chopped): These sweet and tangy jewels bring color and bold flavor to every bite.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps deglaze the pan and infuse the sauce with savory depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that unforgettable, luxurious creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce, adding salty-umami goodness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for perfect seasoning—taste and adjust at the end.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of herbs adds fresh, vibrant color that truly brings the dish to life.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—just a touch of bite so it can soak up every drop of sauce later. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to grab a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce at the end.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s golden brown and just cooked through. This step is all about building layers of flavor, so let those tasty brown bits develop in the pan!
Step 3: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Spice
Into the fragrant cooked sausage, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and (if you dare) a dash of red pepper flakes. Let it all sizzle together for about a minute—your kitchen will smell like a little Italian trattoria in no time.
Step 4: Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Broth Magic
Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every flavorful bit from the bottom of the pan. The tomatoes will soften and infuse the broth with their sweet-tangy flavor; this is when things start to get really irresistible.
Step 5: Creamy Sauce Time
Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes so it thickens up and becomes velvety and smooth—don’t rush this part, it’s where the lusciousness happens!
Step 6: Parmesan & Pasta Perfection
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fabulously into the sauce. Then add your cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing everything together so each noodle gets generously coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and if the sauce seems a bit thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will do wonders.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil or parsley scattered over the top not only makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta pop with color, but adds a dash of garden-fresh aroma that completes each serving.
Side Dishes
Think simple and classic: a big green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli pairs perfectly. And honestly, who could resist a crusty piece of Italian bread to mop up any leftover sauce?
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in shallow bowls, twirled high for a restaurant-worthy look, or pile it on a large platter family-style for a cozy, communal dinner. For a festive touch, add a handful of extra sun-dried tomatoes or a shower of shaved Parmesan right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors get even cozier as they mingle!
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, though the creamy sauce may separate a little when thawed. Just store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, making sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover pasta in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or a bit of water to loosen the sauce and bring back its silkiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps the texture extra luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner alternative. Even a vegetarian Italian sausage can work beautifully for a meatless version.
What kind of pasta works best for Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta?
Penne and fettuccine are both excellent, but you can let your pantry guide you—just choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or even shells.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. All the other components of Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the full experience without worry.
Can I add extra veggies to this pasta?
Of course! Spinach or mushrooms make great additions—just toss them in with the sun-dried tomatoes so they have a chance to soften and mingle with the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes and Italian sausage, but you control the heat. Omit the red pepper for mild, or add a pinch more if you like things a bit fiery!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a big bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta—it’s the kind of classic comfort food that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears at your table!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, a delectable dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed and drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook Italian sausage until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Pour in heavy cream, simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
