Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this pasta will impress everyone at the table. The savory Italian sausage, complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and a velvety cream sauce, creates a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pasta in no time.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes adds depth and richness to each bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Creamy Goodness: The heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and herbs, this dish offers both flavor and nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Ideal for browning the sausage and creating a flavorful sauce.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of the noodles while saving time.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

To make this tasty Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Sauce

• 1 lb uncased Italian Sausage, sweet or mild (If you cannot find the uncased version, you can remove the casing yourself.)
• 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

For Serving

• 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 to serve.

For Cooking Pasta

• 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 the stove over medium flame. Add the Italian sausage:
1. Brown the sausage until cooked through.
2. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess grease.
3. Wipe out any remaining grease from the pan while keeping the charred bits.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While browning the sausage:
1. Heat salted water in another pot for cooking pasta.
2. Once boiling, add short-cut noodles and cook according to package directions.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

In the same pan used for sausage:
1. Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium flame until shimmering.
2. Add diced shallots; cook for 3 minutes while stirring regularly.
3. Incorporate garlic; continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for about 3 more minutes.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Deglaze the pan:
1. Pour in white apple vinegar; scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan.
2. Allow vinegar to reduce by half before adding heavy cream.
3. Mix well; add fresh thyme and salt; let simmer on low heat for about 4 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Spinach

Incorporate cheese:
1. Slowly mix in Asiago cheese over low heat until melted.
2. Return browned sausage to sauce; simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
3. Gently fold in spinach one cup at a time until wilted.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Once spinach is wilted:
1. Mix cooked pasta into sauce gently ensuring even coating.
2. Serve topped with additional thyme, coarse sea salt, cracked pepper, or fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for a fragrant and vibrant touch.
• Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme can complement the flavors beautifully.

Pair with Cheese

• Grated Asiago: Top each serving with additional grated Asiago cheese for an extra creamy texture.
• Parmesan: A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the dish.

Include Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Serve alongside steamed broccoli for a nutritious crunch.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a deliciously nutty flavor and bright color.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Focaccia: Soft focaccia can be a delightful addition, offering a chewy contrast to the pasta.

How to Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Creating the perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality tomatoes will enhance the taste significantly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
• Deglaze Well: When adding vinegar, make sure to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the pan.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for maximum flavor.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute sausage with chicken or turkey for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Complementing your creamy pasta with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for mopping up sauce and adds great flavor.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze elevate your meal’s freshness.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a crunchy texture and slight bitterness that balances the creaminess of the pasta.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini offers a healthy and colorful side.
6. Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings sweetness that pairs well with savory pasta dishes.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and roasted peppers creates an enticing starter or side.
8. Minestrone Soup: A hearty soup filled with vegetables complements the richness of creamy pasta perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, there are some common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure the best results.

• Ignoring the sausage cooking time – Sausage needs sufficient time to brown properly. If you rush this step, you may miss out on essential flavors. Cook until it’s well-browned and fragrant.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long can result in mushy noodles. Always refer to package instructions for al dente cooking times and taste a noodle before draining.
• Skipping the deglazing step – The browned bits left in the pan after cooking sausage add great flavor. Don’t forget to scrape these up with vinegar to enhance your sauce.
• Adding cheese too quickly – Adding cheese at high heat can cause it to clump rather than melt smoothly into the sauce. Mix it in on low heat for a creamy texture.
• Forgetting seasoning adjustments – Taste your sauce before serving. Depending on the brand of ingredients used, you might need more salt or pepper to enhance flavors.
• Not using fresh ingredients – Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull flavors. Fresh herbs like thyme and basil will elevate your dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Ensure there is enough space at the top of the container, as sauces can expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative while still enjoying great flavor. Consider adding spices like fennel or red pepper flakes for that classic sausage taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use a plant-based cream alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I add more vegetables?

Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just sauté them along with the shallots for added nutrition.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook everything except for adding spinach and pasta. Combine them right before serving for optimal freshness.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe uses mild Italian sausage; however, you can opt for spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper if you prefer more heat!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is not just a delightful meal but also highly customizable. Add your favorite veggies or try different types of cheese based on what you have on hand. This recipe guarantees comfort food at its finest, perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Italian Chicken Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Creamy Italian Chicken Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This pasta combines savory chicken with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a luscious cream sauce, all beautifully mingled with fresh spinach and herbs. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy texture and vibrant taste, each bite is a celebration of Italian-inspired cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground Italian chicken
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced shallots
• 4 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 1/2 cups julienne sun dried tomatoes
• 3/4 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2/3 cup fresh Asiago cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the Italian chicken until fully cooked. Remove and drain excess grease.
2. Boil salted water in another pot and cook short-cut pasta according to package directions.
3. In the same pan, sauté shallots in olive oil for 3 minutes; add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Deglaze with apple vinegar, scraping up browned bits; let reduce by half before adding heavy cream. Season with thyme and salt.
5. Stir in Asiago cheese until melted; return chicken to the pan. Fold in spinach until wilted.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring even coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 95mg