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Homemade Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta recipe photo

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta is quick, flavorful, and comforting with a rich sauce and fresh spinach—perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let thicken slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt into the sauce. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish.

Notes

  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and to avoid dryness.
  • Remove the turkey sausage casings for better texture and even crumbling.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor more than pre-grated.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or mix with Greek yogurt off the heat.