Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-487316H37M31S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference); 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or dry, rehydrated); 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish); Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines taste of Italian sausage with the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, all in a creamy, savory sauce. The sausage adds a hearty, savory base, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of umami and depth. Tossed with your favorite pasta and finished with a generous amount of Parmesan, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special meal. It’s comforting, indulgent, and packed with delicious flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. The creamy sauce brings everything together, making each bite rich and satisfying. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re a fan of sausage, pasta, or just a good, hearty meal, this creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is bound to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or dry, rehydrated)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- 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 as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked through. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and bring up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sausage sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Serve the creamy Italian sausage sun-dried tomato pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30-35 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a combination of your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add a bit of mozzarella to the sauce for a gooey, cheesy texture.
Add Greens: Toss in some spinach, kale, or arugula for extra vegetables and color.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes give a rich, concentrated flavor, you can substitute regular fresh tomatoes if needed. Just make sure to cook them down to remove excess moisture before adding to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage, sauce, and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta, then combine.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer a different protein or want a lighter version of this dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

While pasta dishes with cream sauces generally don’t freeze well, you can freeze the sausage and sauce mixture separately. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then toss with fresh pasta.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines savory sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce. With its bold, satisfying flavors and hearty ingredients, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for the perfect meal. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!