1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

The reserved pasta water will come in handy later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed, so don’t forget to save it!

2. Cook the Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through.

Be sure to break up any large chunks of sausage so that it’s evenly distributed in the dish. Once the sausage is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Remove any excess fat from the pan, leaving just enough to coat the bottom.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their flavors. The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the garlic with even more flavor, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

4. Add the Spinach

Next, add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted down. The spinach adds color and nutrition to the dish, and its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the savory sausage.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. Then, pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a creamy, luscious texture.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.

6. Combine the Sausage, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sausage heat through for a minute or two. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

If the sauce looks too thick, you can add more reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Keep tossing the pasta in the sauce until it’s well combined and the pasta is coated with the creamy mixture.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serve the Tuscan Sausage Pasta immediately while it’s warm, and enjoy!