Imagine twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the rich, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory goodness of turkey sausage. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that elevates weeknight dinners into something special. It’s hearty but balanced, with fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrients, and Parmesan cheese melting into the sauce for that ultimate cheesy finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish comes together quickly and promises big flavors with minimal fuss.

Top Reasons to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory turkey sausage.
Comforting and Creamy: The rich cream sauce makes it feel indulgent without being heavy.
Nutritious Add-Ins: Fresh spinach boosts the nutritional profile while adding vibrant color.
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta shape or swap in different greens depending on the season.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a go-to weeknight recipe.

Shopping List

12 ounces pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound turkey sausage, casings removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred for richer flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Hardware & Gadgets

Large pot: For boiling pasta.
Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the turkey sausage and sauce.
Colander: To drain the pasta.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.

Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta: A Simple Method

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if needed later.

Step 2: Brown the turkey sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Create the creamy sauce

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add spinach and cheese

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt into the sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish.

For a similar creamy pasta experience, you might also enjoy the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Penne, a delightful variation featuring penne pasta and a slightly different flavor profile.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

Spring: Swap spinach for fresh asparagus tips or peas for a light, crisp touch.
Summer: Add chopped sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil to amplify freshness.
Fall: Toss in roasted butternut squash cubes for sweetness and texture.
Winter: Stir in kale instead of spinach and sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts for extra warmth.

Insider Tips

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to enrich the sauce with extra depth and avoid dryness.
Removing the turkey sausage casings helps the meat crumble evenly for better texture.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and delivers more flavor than pre-grated cheese.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or combine with Greek yogurt off the heat.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well; pack in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For meal prep, portion into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While turkey sausage keeps this dish light, you can use chicken sausage or beef sausage depending on your preference, just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use whichever pasta you have on hand. Just cook it al dente for the best texture.

Is there a way to make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Weekend Projects

Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe – Make your own creamy sauce from scratch for endless pasta possibilities.
Maple Glazed Turkey Meatballs – Try this flavorful turkey meatball recipe for a complementary protein option.
Sun-dried Tomato Infused Olive Oil – Create your own infused oil to use in dressings and sauces.
Fresh Basil Pesto – Whip up a batch of pesto to brighten up your pasta dishes all year round.

Serve & Enjoy

Serving Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing complement. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table. Garnishing with fresh basil not only adds beautiful color but also lends a fragrant herbal note that elevates each bite. Dive in and savor the harmony of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors coming together in every forkful!

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