Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound raw Italian chicken sausage; 8 oz dried pasta (pipe rigate/shellbows recommended); 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup); 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional or reduce if using spicy sausage); 6 oz fresh or frozen baby spinach, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and coarsely chopped; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup white wine; 1½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste); Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you are craving a dish that delivers rich flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting creaminess all in one, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes’ sweet tang, hearty Italian sausage, and fresh spinach that adds a light earthy touch. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for a satisfying and impressive meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up shows a blue colander full of yellow shell pasta being poured into a large silver pan on a stovetop. Inside the pan, there is a creamy sauce with colors like orange, green from spinach, and bits of red, adding texture and depth. A wooden spoon with a smooth light brown color stirs the sauce, visible resting inside the pan. The background and surface where the stove is placed are a white marbled texture. A woman's hand holds the blue colander mid-pour, with pasta flowing down into the sauce, showing an active cooking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in bringing together the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness that makes this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe so irresistible.

½ pound raw Italian chicken sausage: Adds savory, spiced protein with a tender texture that melds beautifully with the sauce.
8 oz dried pasta: I recommend pipe rigate or shellbows for their shape, which catches the sauce in all the right places.
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertones.
1 small onion, diced: Provides foundational sweetness and depth.
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Brings warmth and pungency to the dish.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional kick of heat; reduce or omit if you prefer milder flavors.
4 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the sauce’s body and color.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that glorious creamy texture.
¼ cup white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and complexity.
1½ cups chicken broth: Builds a savory, flavorful base for the sauce.
½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, adjust to taste.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spice and balance.
6 oz fresh or frozen baby spinach: Adds fresh, leafy green contrast and vitamins.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Brings intense, slightly sweet and tangy bursts of flavor.
Parmesan cheese: For topping, it adds salty richness and a lovely finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s mostly done. Then, push the sausage to the sides and add diced onion and chopped garlic to the middle. Let them soften and release their fragrance for 3 to 4 minutes—this step is where your kitchen begins to smell like something extraordinary.

Step 2: Build the Sauce with Tomato Paste and Flour

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat, then stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for about 30 seconds so that it evenly coats everything. Next, add the flour and stir thoroughly until there are no dry bits left. This mix will thicken your sauce, giving it that coveted creamy texture.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Liquids

Pour in the white wine and whisk it until it mostly evaporates, lifting all those wonderful browned bits off the pan. Gradually add the chicken broth in small amounts, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luscious sauce base. This is the heart of your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe’s flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

As the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it for about one minute less than the package instructions because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. This method ensures every bite is perfectly infused with flavor.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine with Pasta

Once the sauce bubbles and thickens (about 5 minutes), whisk in the heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and toss the pasta directly into the sauce. Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, folding gently to coat everything evenly. Let the pasta finish cooking for another minute or two, adding reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce consistency.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Spoon your piping hot pasta into bowls and generously top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and that perfect creamy texture that makes this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe so delightful.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is shell-shaped pasta in light yellow color, mixed with green spinach leaves and small red bits, all covered slightly by an orange creamy sauce. The middle layer includes pieces of small cooked meat with a brownish tone, spread evenly among the pasta and spinach. The top layer is a pile of thinly shredded white cheese placed on one side of the bowl. A gold-colored fork is lifting a twisted pasta shell near the edge of the bowl. The background is a white marble texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly shaved Parmesan is a must, but feel free to sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra color and flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving adds a lovely finishing richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also make an excellent accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano. You can also try baking the pasta briefly with a sprinkle of mozzarella for a bubbly, golden top layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further, but the spinach will be a bit softer the next day.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture of the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, so gently reheat and stir well.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Pork sausage will give a richer, more traditional Italian flavor. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments, especially salt.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can substitute white wine with extra chicken broth or a splash of white wine vinegar to maintain acidity and flavor complexity.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based Italian sausage alternative for a meatless yet satisfying version.

What pasta shapes work best?

Pipe rigate or shellbows are ideal because their curves catch the creamy sauce well, but penne or rigatoni are also great choices.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the sausage and your use of red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit the flakes based on your preferred spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe is a true winner when you want something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make on any night. It has all the richness and vibrant character that make pasta so beloved, but with a fresh twist thanks to sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy sharing it with your friends and family as much as I do!