Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This easy Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors with creamy goodness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe showcases the rich taste of Italian sausage paired with sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a family favorite that will keep everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes creates a deliciously comforting meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the dish by adding seasonal vegetables or different types of pasta to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for dinner parties or family gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests.
• Creamy and Satisfying: The creamy sauce envelops the pasta, delivering a comforting bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smoother. Having everything ready will help you whip up this delicious pasta in no time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning the sausage and creating a flavorful sauce.
• Pot for Boiling Pasta: Important for cooking the pasta evenly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 lb uncased Italian Sausage, sweet or mild
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced shallots
• 4 cloves, diced garlic
• 1 1/2 cups packed julienne sun dried tomatoes, drained of any oil and lightly rinsed
• 3/4 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 2/3 cup fresh Asiago cheese
• 2 cups packed fresh spinach
• If desired, additional coarse sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, fresh thyme, fresh basil, and Asiago cheese to serve.
• Water for a large pot and about 2 tsp of coarse sea salt for the pasta
• 1 lb short cut pasta

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pan on medium flame. Add the Italian sausage and brown it thoroughly. Once browned, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess grease. Wipe out the pan but leave some of the browned bits at the bottom.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While browning the sausage, heat salted water in a pot. Once boiling, add your short cut pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pan used for sausage, heat olive oil over medium flame. When shimmering, add shallots and sauté for about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes next, cooking them for about 3 more minutes while stirring regularly.

Step 4: Deglaze with Vinegar

Pour in dry white apple vinegar to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom as it reduces by half. Then add heavy cream along with thyme and salt. Simmer on low heat for about 4 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Sausage

Lower heat further before gently mixing in Asiago cheese until melted. Return browned sausage to the sauce and let it simmer together for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Combine with Pasta

Fold in spinach gradually—one cup at a time—until wilted. Finally, mix in cooked pasta until well combined.

Serve warm topped with additional thyme, coarse sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Serving your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present and enhance this dish:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for a burst of flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add a few torn basil leaves for a fresh and aromatic touch.

Pair with Cheese

• Grated Asiago: Top each serving with extra grated Asiago cheese for that rich, cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Shavings: Use thin shavings of Parmesan to add a nutty flavor contrast.

Add a Crunchy Texture

• Toasted Pine Nuts: Lightly toast pine nuts and sprinkle them over the pasta for an added crunch.
• Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy topping that adds texture.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread as a side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Serve with soft ciabatta rolls to soak up the delicious flavors.

How to Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Creating the perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality sausage and fresh sun dried tomatoes for robust flavors.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Keep an eye on the pasta and sauce cooking times to avoid overcooking.
• Deglaze Properly: Scrape up those brown bits well when adding vinegar; they add depth to your sauce.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.
• Experiment with Greens: Besides spinach, try kale or arugula for different textures and flavors.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Complementing your main dish with sides can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair well:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in garlic and olive oil, then roast until tender and slightly charred.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness.
3. Caprese Skewers: Assemble skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes for easy-to-eat bites.
4. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil provides a low-carb alternative that complements the pasta.
5. Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with herbs offers a nutritious grain option alongside your creamy pasta.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices bring color and hearty flavor to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a sausage that is too spicy can overpower the dish. Opt for a sweet or mild Italian sausage to balance flavors.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy. Always follow package instructions for al dente texture.
• Not deglazing properly: Skipping the deglazing step can lead to a less flavorful sauce. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the pan for added richness.
• Ignoring the cheese melting technique: Adding cheese too quickly can cause clumping. Slowly mix in the Asiago over low heat for a creamy consistency.
• Adding spinach too soon: If you add spinach before the sauce is ready, it may not wilt correctly. Fold it in gently at the end for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The pasta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, and stir until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

Can I use turkey sausage instead?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative that still provides a delicious flavor without pork.

How do I make it dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

What type of pasta works best?

Short cut pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite type!

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook everything and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste. You can easily customize it by adding different proteins or vegetables. Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a cozy dinner with family or friends!