Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines rich, comforting flavors with a touch of gourmet flair, the Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This mouthwatering pasta brings together savory Italian sausage, the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends over dinner, this recipe promises crowd-pleasing satisfaction with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect texture—simple, straightforward, and essential for that classic Italian-inspired goodness.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is rich and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the sausage for that irresistible caramelized taste.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a flavorful, meaty heartiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory sausage.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic adds warmth and an aromatic punch that’s fundamental in Italian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped): These add a vibrant tang and a chewy texture contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta with indulgence.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the creaminess and adds savory depth for perfect sauce consistency.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce and ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic, fragrant Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy once mixed with the rich sauce later. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining your pasta, as this will help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is crucial because browning develops the deep, savory flavor that’ll shine throughout the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent—this adds a mild sweetness that complements the meat. Then add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for just one minute to release all their incredible aroma without burning.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquids
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, followed by heavy cream, chicken broth, and dried Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Toss everything gently so the pasta is coated in that irresistible creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the perfect consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and a lovely finishing touch before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley aren’t just pretty—they brighten the rich cream sauce with a subtle burst of freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add that final layer of cheesy indulgence that elevates the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also makes a perfect side, great for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy sausage sun-dried tomato pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Alternatively, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a pop of green and an extra nutritional boost right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. To maintain the creaminess and texture, freeze without fresh basil garnish and thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling or sticking. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce feels too thick after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner alternative. Just make sure it’s well seasoned, as some varieties are milder in flavor compared to traditional Italian sausage.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy umami flavor without dairy.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their hollow or ridged structure captures the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Stirring in fresh spinach, kale, or even sautéed mushrooms towards the end adds extra nutrients and makes the dish even more delightful.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the savory sausage and creamy sauce without overwhelming the dish. You can easily adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes when you want something comforting yet sophisticated. The balance of flavors and textures is just magic—rich, creamy, a hint of tangy sweetness, and a touch of spice all married perfectly. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I have!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with tangy sun-dried tomatoes simmered in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this pasta features tender noodles coated in a cheesy, herb-infused sauce and garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Sauce and Meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and dried Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, tossing to thoroughly coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season the dish with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.
- You can use either penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
