Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-488783H26S
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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If there’s a comforting meal that’s always guaranteed to wow a crowd yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight at home, it’s Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Each twirl of pasta is blanketed in a luscious, velvety sauce dotted with savory sausage, sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—marrying rustic Italian flavors with just the right touch of decadence. This dish is as rich in flavor as it is in color, and it promises to warm hearts and bellies in just around 30 minutes. Whether you keep it classic with penne or switch it up with spaghetti, Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is pure comfort food magic every time.

Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, contributing either bold flavor, creamy texture, or wonderful visual appeal to the final dish. Stock up on these essentials for a pasta night that feels truly special.

Italian sausage: Choose mild for a classic, comforting base, or spicy if you like a gentle kick in every bite.
Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work beautifully—just pick your favorite shape for catching every bit of the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: A splash to start your sauté, bringing a subtle fruitiness and authentic Italian flair.
Garlic: Freshly minced adds a fragrant aroma that ties all the flavors together—don’t skip this!
Sun-dried tomatoes: These gems give a tangy punch and vibrant color, whether you use them packed in oil or rehydrated if dry.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze any delicious caramelized bits from the pan.
Heavy cream: The secret to that wonderful, silky sauce—go full-fat for best results!
Parmesan cheese: Stirs into the sauce for salty, nutty richness and a bit more sprinkled on top for good measure.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but amazing for a bit of gentle heat that elevates every other flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season generously to taste—simple but essential for bringing the flavors into focus.
Fresh basil or parsley: A final garnish that adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a pop of color.
Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving—because when it comes to cheese, more is always better!

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t forget to scoop out and save about half a cup of the pasta water before you drain—it’s the secret trick for perfect sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside while you get started on the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a spacious skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the sausage is nicely browned and fully cooked through, with tantalizing crispy bits forming on the edges. Drain off excess grease if needed—this keeps the sauce silky without being too oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Toss the minced garlic into the skillet with the sausage and let it sizzle for a minute or so, just until fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for another couple of minutes, soaking up those meaty, garlicky flavors while lending their own sweetness and tang.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using your spoon to scrape up any wonderful browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Then slowly add the heavy cream, giving the sauce a gorgeous, rich body. Let it bubble gently for five to seven minutes, until it thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat (if you like), and taste for salt and pepper—you’ll see the sauce turn irresistibly creamy and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the creamy sauce and sausage. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, drizzle in a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right—glossy, silky, and perfectly clinging to every noodle. The sun-dried tomatoes will dot the sauce with bursts of flavor, making each bite a delight.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls. Scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top along with a lavish shower of extra Parmesan cheese. This Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is meant to be eaten piping hot, with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of finely sliced fresh basil or chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a refreshing herbal hit, while an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese adds even more savory richness. If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

To turn Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta into a well-rounded meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. Crusty Italian bread or garlic knots on the side are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce and make dinner feel extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a nest of pasta twirled high in the center, topped with a generous spoonful of extra sauce. Or, for date night or dinner parties, stack the pasta in a large serving platter and finish with a big bunch of fresh herbs and wide shavings of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so you’ll be treated to an even more luxurious Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta at lunch the next day.

Freezing

While this pasta dish can technically be frozen, dairy-rich sauces sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, freeze just the sausage-tomato sauce on its own (without the pasta) in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge and toss with freshly cooked pasta and more cream if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over low heat, stirring until creamy and heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating preserves the silky texture of the sauce best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Mild or spicy Italian sausage is classic, but you can get creative with chicken sausage for a lighter version or even a plant-based option for a vegetarian spin. Just cook thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

How do I rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes if using the dry kind?

Soak the dry sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for about 10 minutes prior to chopping. Drain well, pat dry, and they’ll plump up beautifully, giving the same tangy-sweet punch as oil-packed tomatoes.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a slightly lighter sauce. Just be aware the sauce may not be quite as thick and luxurious, but the flavors of Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta will still shine.

What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Short, tube-shaped pastas like penne or rigatoni catch all the creamy sauce and meaty bits, but spaghetti or fettuccine are just as delicious. Use what you love or have on hand—the sauce is the star!

How can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with your favorite sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a blend of seasonal vegetables. The luscious tomato-cream-Parmesan base pairs deliciously with all sorts of veggies for a hearty, satisfying meatless meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that feels both special and totally doable on a weeknight, Creamy Italian Sausage Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is it. These flavors are so cheerful and inviting that you’ll want to make it again and again—and it always gets rave reviews. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll have a new comfort food classic in your regular rotation!