Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Mix in the cooked penne pasta and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 550
Net Carbs: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Tips & Variations:
1. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
2. Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a bright flavor, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.