Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta
Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta is one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s fast and tastes amazing. With simple pantry ingredients and savory sausage, this pasta dish is as easy to make as it is flavorful.
You’re going to want to add this recipe to your meal plan!
I adore making this creamy tomato sausage pasta on weeknights because it’s simple and quick. And for picky eaters – or adventurous ones – this yummy recipe is easy to tweak to suit your family’s tastes.
While this is sausage pasta, you can substitute ground beef or ground chicken if you like. However, you will want to bump up the seasoning because these proteins don’t have the same flavor as sausage.
Grab your biggest skillet, and let’s get to cooking this delicious pasta recipe!
Ingredients
This is meant to be a brief overview of our great recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.
- Pasta – Any pasta, short or long, will work, I like penne.
- Ground Sausage – My personal preference is for Jimmy Dean Regular Premium Pork Sausage; however, you can use ground chicken sausage, mild or spicy Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground sausage alternative.
- Sweet Onion – I prefer mild onion flavor but yellow onions also work.
- Fresh Garlic – For bold garlic flavor, nothing beats fresh garlic.
- Tomato Puree – This provides the base for the sauce; you can also use diced tomatoes, but the sauce mixture won’t be as smooth.
- Spinach – Use either fresh or frozen spinach, chopped fine.
- Heavy Cream – This makes the ultimate creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream – adds body to the sauce and richness to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- white cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds a nice punch of flavor.
- seasonings: dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper
Variations:
- For a slightly lighter dish, substitute half and half and use low-fat sour cream.
- If desired, you can also add sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, artichokes, or other veggies to the tomato sauce.
- My husband enjoys this pasta dish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for additional heat.
👉 Out of something you need? Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable!
Ang’s Recipe Tips
If you are unable to find heavy cream at your grocery store, look for whipping cream instead.
Take care to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
Related: Italian sausage pasta
Serving Suggestions
Serve with additional grated parmesan cheese with a side of garlic bread, Italian breadsticks, or garlic cheese bombs. A fresh salad is always a great addition, too.
Not ready to make this easy sausage pasta recipe yet?
When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a 5-star rating below! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Creamy Tomato Sausage Pasta
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Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
- 28 oz can tomato puree
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen spinach or about 8oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.16 oz penne pasta
- Add the sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it starts to brown and is no longer pink.1 lb sausage
- Reduce the heat to medium and push the cooked sausage to the outsides of the pan. Add the onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the fresh garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more.1 cup diced onion, 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
- Into the skillet, add the sauce ingredients. Mix frequently while the sauce comes to a simmer.28 oz can tomato puree, 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Next add in the cheese and spinach. Stir to combine.3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, 1 cup frozen spinach, 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Taste and add additional seasonings as needed.
Equipment
- Large Skillet for cooking sausage and assembling sauce
- Large stock pot for boiling pasta
- Colander to drain the pasta
Notes
Storage
To Store: Leftovers of this creamy sausage pasta should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. (These are my favorite airtight containers.) To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals until heated throughout. To Freeze: Allow the pasta and creamy tomato sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label! To Thaw: Remove the pasta from the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw overnight.Nutrition
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