Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sausage

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is all about layers of rich tomato flavor blended into a creamy sauce, wrapped around bites of juicy sausage and fresh greens. It makes for a soul-warming dinner that always disappears quickly at my table, whether I am hosting friends or just needing comfort food.

When I first made this pasta, it was a chilly weeknight and I wanted something cozy but not fussy. The sun-dried tomatoes made the sauce so vibrant that I have been hooked ever since.

Ingredients

• Chicken broth: provides a savory base for the creamy sauce Use good quality low sodium broth for best flavor and control
• Half and half: creates a luscious creamy texture Look for fresh dairy for smoothness
• Dijon mustard: brings gentle tang and complexity Choose a classic French Dijon for depth
• Hot sauce: brightens flavors with a subtle kick I like a few dashes of crystal or tabasco
• Soy sauce: deepens the umami notes Opt for a naturally brewed kind for best taste
• Dried basil oregano and parsley: add herbaceous aroma Make sure your dried herbs are still fragrant not stale
• Onion powder and paprika: give subtle warmth and color Look for brightly colored paprika and sniff for freshness
• Garlic salt: seasons everything Choose one without anti-caking agents when possible
• Sweet Italian sausage: brings texture and savory meatiness Pick fresh sausages with a snappy casing and moderate fat
• Olive oil: helps brown the sausage and create a base Use a fruity extra-virgin oil
• Ziti or your favorite short pasta shapes: hold the sauce Look for bronze-cut pasta for better texture
• Dry white wine: adds acidity and flavor Choose Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio or substitute with more broth
• Fresh garlic: layers in aromatic flavor Always use fresh cloves and mince right before cooking
• Butter: creates a rich base for the sauce Choose unsalted to adjust seasoning as needed
• Tomato paste: packs an extra punch of tomato flavor Use a tube for convenience and fresher taste
• All purpose flour: helps thicken the sauce Pick a trusted unbleached brand
• Sun-dried tomatoes: deliver concentrated tomato sweetness Get plain ones not already seasoned
• Cream cheese: smooths and enriches the sauce Philly tub cream cheese melts easily
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty salty balance Grate your own from a wedge for best results
• Fresh spinach: gives color and nutrients Choose firm crisp leaves without wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Ingredients:

Make your sauce mixture by whisking together chicken broth half and half Dijon hot sauce soy sauce dried herbs and seasonings in a big measuring cup with a spout Set aside and prep the rest of your ingredients This ensures your cooking process is smooth

Cook the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high and add your sausage links Brown on all sides for about ten to fifteen minutes adjusting the heat to prevent burning Pour in a splash of water or broth cover and let them steam for ten minutes Remove the sausages and let them rest then slice into coins This step lets all those flavors develop in the pan

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Start your pasta cooking as soon as the water is ready Cook your chosen pasta until just al dente then drain and set aside This keeps it from getting mushy later

Build the Tomato Cream Sauce:

Pour the white wine into the sausage skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits Simmer until the wine is reduced by half about four minutes These brown bits are where the flavor hides Add the garlic and cook briefly then add the butter tomato paste and flour Stir constantly as the tomato paste darkens and the flour coats everything This is your flavor base

Bring It All Together:

Gradually pour in your premixed sauce stirring steadily to keep the sauce thick and smooth Add sun dried tomatoes and bring the sauce up to a gentle boil then lower to a simmer Stir in the cream cheese until melted then add in Parmesan a little at a time stirring so it dissolves Toss in spinach and let it wilt Stir in the cooked pasta followed by the sliced sausage Let everything heat through and meld together

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Sun dried tomatoes are my favorite part of this dish Their tangy rich flavor infuses every bite and I often sneak a few extra into the pan My family always asks when I am making this one again and it is become our comfort dish tradition

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days You can also freeze this pasta for up to three months The sauce stays creamy even after reheating To reheat gently warm on low heat in a saucepan or use the microwave in short bursts with a splash of extra cream or broth if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Italian sausage you can use chicken sausage or even smoked turkey sausage For a vegetarian version keep the sauce and veggies but use roasted mushrooms and skip the sausage Sun dried tomatoes can be swapped for canned diced tomatoes for a milder flavor or try fire roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a meal on its own but a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette makes a perfect match You could also add crusty bread to sop up the creamy sauce For a cozy dinner party it pairs well with roasted veggies or a cheese board

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Cultural and Historical Context

Sun dried tomatoes have a rich history in Italian and Mediterranean cooking Their intense flavor comes from drying ripe tomatoes under the sun a preservation method used for generations Pairing sausage and tomato based sauces is a classic move in Italian American kitchens but this cream sauce twist gives it a bit of modern comfort food flair

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best in this dish?

Both sweet and hot Italian sausage are excellent choices. Slice after browning for maximum juiciness and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?

Canned diced tomatoes or Rotel can replace sun-dried tomatoes if desired, though flavor and texture will differ slightly.

→ Which pasta shapes hold the sauce well?

Ziti, penne, cavatappi, medium shells, farfalle, or rigatoni all complement the creamy sauce nicely by trapping it in their folds.

→ How can I make the sauce extra smooth?

Gradually add the cheese and cream cheese to a simmering sauce, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky texture.

→ Is wine essential for the sauce?

Dry white wine adds depth, but chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute without sacrificing overall flavor.