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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet

A fork lifts a bite of creamy chicken sausage pasta, showing extreme cheese pull and chunks of sausage and spinach.

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Make this easy, one-pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe uses accessible ingredients and delivers rich, comforting flavor quickly.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken sausage into half-inch pieces.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely, about 1 minute.
  8. Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately from the skillet.

Notes

  • For a budget friendly option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
  • You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for fresh diced tomatoes for a more intense Tuscan flavor.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store cooled pasta in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

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