This scrumptious Italian Sausage Pasta combines rigatoni with sundried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy pasta is truly one of our favorites and is always a hit with friends and family.
This hearty pasta is a complete meal in itself, but if company is expected, I like to serve it with Italian Chopped Salad with Fresh Italian Dressing and Cheese Garlic Bread.
How to make Italian Sausage Pasta
Brown the Italian Sausage in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. After several minutes add the onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft. Then reduce the heat and add garlic, marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Now plate the sausage mixture and cover it with foil.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions and drain well. Then add the chicken broth to the skillet working to deglaze the bottom of it, and collect all those wonderful brown bits. Now add the heavy cream to the skillet. Bring it to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Simmer until it reduces by about half. Turn the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Finally, add the sausage mixture and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat and continue cooking over low heat until the pasta dish is heated through.
Recipe notes and helpful tips for Italian Sausage Pasta
- Several shapes of medium pasta will work with this dish, including ziti, rotini, elbow, medium shells, cavatappi, and penne pasta.
- Use a spoon to break up the Italian sausage, so you have some small pieces and a few larger pieces. Variety is good.
- The cream and chicken broth mixture can take up to 20 minutes to reduce, so plan accordingly. Reduce by about 50%.
- For optimal flavor, drain the oil from the sundried tomatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Because of the amount of cream, I do not recommend freezing this dish. It would not harm you. It just would not be as appetizing or aesthetically appealing.
Recipe Variations
- Meat – substitute browned ground beef or turkey. Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or scallops.
- Spicy – kick it up a few notches with a little bit of Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or more crushed red pepper. Try adding minced jalapeno, minced chipotle peppers, or chopped green chilies.
- Veggies – add browned mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or capers.
More pasta recipes you will love!
PrintItalian Sausage Pasta Recipe
A scrumptious Italian Sausage Pasta loaded with browned sausage, onions, garlic, rigatoni, sundried tomatoes, and spinach, all in an easy creamy parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: main meal pasta
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces uncooked rigatoni
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut packed in oil (drained)
- 3–4 cups baby spinach
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start browning the Italian Sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. After 3-4 minutes, add the onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are soft. Reduce the heat to low. Add the garlic, marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, thyme leaves, and red flakes pepper, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the sausage mixture and cover it with foil.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet working to deglaze the bottom and collect all the brown bits. Add the heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let it reduce by about half.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Add the sausage mixture and pasta to the skillet. Stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking over low heat until the pasta dish is heated through.
Notes
- Several shapes of medium pasta will work with this dish, including ziti, rotini, elbow, medium shells, cavatappi, and penne pasta.
- Use a spoon to break up the Italian sausage so you have some small pieces and a few larger pieces. Variety is good.
- The cream and chicken broth mixture can take up to 20 minutes to reduce, so plan accordingly. Reduce by about 50%.
- For optimal flavor, drain the oil from the sundried tomatoes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Because of the amount of cream, I do not recommend freezing this dish. It would not harm you. It just would not be as appetizing or aesthetically appealing.
Keywords: creamy sausage pasta, sausage and pasta, sausage spinach pasta
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Sydney Everett
This pasta was so good! I did make some tweaks to it I used a little bit of wine to help cook off the grease and used pasta water instead of chicken stock. I didn’t want to open up chicken stock just for a little bit. I did add some mozzarella too. I would double the sauce next time I make it. Definitely would make again!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sydney and thanks for the tips.
Francis
My daughter and I just love this sausage pasta. It is quick, easy and tastes amazing. It is a must try for all pasta lovers.
★★★★★
Jennifer
This was so delish! I’m a big fan of anything Italian-centric. My family is too. Such a great recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jennifer! So glad that you liked it!
Clarice
This was really delicious. My folks were visiting last weekend and my Mom loves pasta. Your recipe was a big hit and I sent my Mom home with the recipe.
Ebony
I made this recipe tonight for my family and it was an absolute hit! I added a bit of cream cheese as well, and it made the sauce so creamy. Saving this recipe to make it again!!Than
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ebony! I am so glad that you liked the pasta!
Alita Pacio
Oh I havent had sausage pasta in a long time. Time to try this! Your recipe looks great. Im excited to try it and see.
★★★★★
Debbie
You had me at pasta! I love all pasta and this recipe adding in some Italian sausage sounds amazing! Can’t wait to make it!
★★★★★
pedja
I never tried sausage in my pasta but this looks so delicious so I have to try it. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Nyxie
This looks creamy and delicious! I’d kill for something like this for dinner tonight but we’re stuck with leftovers – again!
Richard
I cooked this up for my Mom. She loved it! She said that she wants me to make it for her again, real soon!
Maureen
What a delicious dish! We love pasta over here and this was right up our alley. I like that it’s easy to cook and perfect for a busy night!
★★★★★
Laura
Great pasta dish. So easy and delicious. It is a new family favorite. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
bright
This is one of my family’s facorite recipes! It is easy to make, delicious, and perfect every time.
Briony
Hey, I am curious how you calculated the calories for this recipe. I did my own calculations, and ended up with over 700 calories per serving (based on the recipe making 6 servings). I see that your nutritional information says 454 calories. What I am I missing that adds 300 calories to each serving?
Beth Pierce
My information is calculated with software that I use. I put in the ingredients and it caculates it for me. All nutritional information shared on this site is an approximation. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on this site should be used as a general guideline.
Patty
Do I put the pasta in the sauce uncooked?
Beth Pierce
No you cook the pasta seperately.
Abbey
Yep, this is good!
★★★★★
Neely Moldovan
Oh this look so good! My hsuband loves italian sausage in his pasta!
SONIA
This is delicious. I can’t wait to make it again.
★★★★★
Barbies Beauty Bits
What a great recipe. Of course, I love pasta. I served it with some cheesy garlic bread, and it was a great meal.
★★★★★
MELANIE E
This sounds so good!!! I don’t recall using marjoram in recipes in years. It might be worth getting some to try this. I know my husband and I would love the dish.
★★★★★
briannemanzb
This is our new family-favorite Italian pasta recipe! Everyone loved it and gave it a 10 out of 10 reviews.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Brianne! So glad that everyone loved it!
Fleek
I like how you’re so creative with your cooking. This looks really sumptuous and delicious. I’ll try it out.
★★★★★
Debbie
Yum! This Italian Sausage Pasta recipe was simply amazing. Great instructions with easy-to-follow steps. I shared the recipe with some friends and family!
★★★★★
Julie Maloney
I’ve been looking for recipes to switch things up for my husbands lunch, I’ll be adding this to the rotation! Thanks for sharing! Pinning!
★★★★★
Sue
I made this recipe with a few modifications. I didn’t have marjoram so I substituted it with basil. I am lactose intolerant too, so I substituted coconut cream instead of the whipping cream. It came out great! I will make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sue! I am happy that you were able to adapt it to your needs. The readers will appreciate your tips.
Diana
Sooooo perfect! Like comfort food. I added some chopped celery and sliced mushrooms also. I also added a tiny bit of garlic. Definitely a keeper!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Diana! I am so happy to hear that you liked it.
Maria T.
Made this for dinner tonight. I didn’t have to go to the store because I had everything. I omitted the rosemary and thyme. I added the marjoram and oregano. I also added sauteed mushrooms (oyster and shiitake) and leeks because I had the leeks left over from my CSA shipment. I thought this was really delicious. My husband wanted to pay me $24.95, which he felt was the going rate for a good pasta dish. The sauce was really flavorful and the ingredients are complimentary. A lot of bang for my time. I will make this again. I have leftovers and will reheat in a double boiler. It’s gentle and the sauce won’t break. I cook a lot so I’m glad I found your website and this recipe. Probably the first of many I’ll try.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Maria! So glad that you liked the recipe. I bet the leeks were delicious in it! What a great addition.
Alison
I hate to buy speciality ingredients for just one recipe- any substitutes for marjoram?
Beth Pierce
Oregano
Kathi
Absolutely one of our favorite meals! I do use 2 lb of Italian sausage (at my hubby’s request). This is one of those meals that is quick and easy but makes you look like a gourmet chef!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kathi!
Jeanne kucera
My family loved it!! Great recipe
Thank you
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
Janice
My family loved it! Even my picky 5 year old asked for seconds.
We didn’t leave it to reduce as long as we probably should have but just added some extra parm to help it thicken faster. It was excellent.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Janice! So happy that your family liked! Nothing wrong with a little extra Parmesan Cheese!
Sandy
Keto version for me…i made the sauce as written but cut tomato amount in half one time then used fresh cherry tomatoes the next. Both good. Served it with spaghetti squash in place of pasta. Thank u small town woman
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. So glad that you liked it and were able to adapt to keto.
Chelsea
Is there an alternative I can use aside from the whipping cream? Oatmilk maybe?
Beth Pierce
No, sorry whipping cream thickens the sauce.
Brandy
We used cocunut cream instead of heavy cream.
Ntensibe
Whew! I never say this enough but no kind of pasta ever beats this one, to me! Ever since I first tasted it when I was very little, I’ve never looked back or regretted it! I love it.
Michele
This looks amazing. I will be making this for dinner tonight. we have been looking for some new recipes to make.
Bryan
This was a hit with me! I love pasta dishes and this one had just the right amount of contributions from different food groups. Next time I am adding a little spinach.
Jackie
I’ve added spinach it’s really good!! I also.put in fresh tomatoes after cooking because my family doesn’t like sundried tomatoes .
brianne
This is one of my favorites of all your recipes! I will definitely make this again.
★★★★★
Tweenselmom
This Italian sausage pasta was amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
★★★★★
Vanessa
This is exactly the kind of dish I love to make for the family. It can feed us for a couple of days, it’s easy, and it’s delicious.
★★★★★
Mary
Made this tonight. Outstanding. Hubby said definitely a keeper, and daughter stopped by tried some and asked for the recipe. Definitely making again. Highly recommend this dish. So easy to make. Thank you for sharing. I’m 73 and love trying new recipes.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Mary! So glad that family liked it. I love cooking too!
Kay Snow
I made this today with a few minor changes; beef broth instead of chicken because I had some open in the fridge and Italian seasoning instead of the separate spices. Delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kay! So glad that you liked it and thanks for the tips!
Jeannie
How much of the Italian seasoning did you use when you made it?
Shannon
Does this reheat well without the sauce breaking?
Beth Pierce
Go slow and low on the stove top preferably. Take the dish out and let it come to room temperature first. Are you fixing it for a big crowd?
Angela
I have a question, what could you substitute the sausage with since I can’t eat sausage. Thank you.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
You could use ground beef or chicken.
Mary Crowley
This recipe was delicious!! My husband absolutely loved it!! I used a box of chopped spinach, thawed and drained instead of fresh spinach I didnt have. Will definitely make again!! Highly recommend!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Mary! So happy that you liked it.
Dymieat
What can I use instead of heavy cream .
Beth Pierce
Sorry but you need the heavy cream to thicken the sauce.
Mitzi Zornow
How about using fat free half and half or fat free evaporated milk ?
Beth Pierce
You need the fat for a creamy sauce.
Karen Pollock
The whole family loved this..The only thing is the recipe doesn’t say if you should cut up the tomato’s ..So I put them in whole .But then I noticed in the picture they are cut up..
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it. Thanks for the heads up. I added julienne cut to the description.
Nancy
First time I made this meal. My daughter came across it. Only change I did was omit tomatoes. Tomatoes don’t agree with us. Highly recommend this meal, you won’t be disappointed.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Nancy! So glad that you like it!
Lisa Gabriel
This was so tasty!!! I made some vegan modifications to your recipe. I used 1.5 cups of vegan Italian sausage crumbles, 1.5 cups of veg broth, 1 cup of almond milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch. I replace the parm with half a cup of shredded vegan cheese and served it with vegan parm. I gave it 5 stars!!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Glad that you liked it and were able to adapt it to your diet.
Len
My wife picked this recipe and I made it tonight. I followed the recipe almost exactly and we loved it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Len! So glad that you and your wife liked it. We really love it too!
Tonna Chaligoj
This was so delicious. Wasn’t sure about all those spices but it turned out perfect !!! I loved the added spinach. Thank you for sharing.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Tonna!
Kristi
So so good. I made this for dinner tonight and no leftovers! Easy week night meal full of flavor!!
Kathi
This is a wonderful recipe! Full of flavor, super easy, tastes like you worked all day on it! Thanks for this recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Kathi!
Karyn P.
Had sausage that had to be cooked or frozen, looked up recipes and found this, So happy we did! It was so good, I did make one small change, I used fresh grape tomatoes, I’m not a fan of sun dried tomatoes.
Excellent recipe, great flavors, will definitely keep this one, Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Karyn! So glad that you and your like it. Grape tomatoes are a great suggestion for those that do not like sundried tomatoes.
SaraK
This is such a great recipe, thank you for sharing! My whole family loved it and said it was pro!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! So glad that they family loved it!
MyYellowApron
Would love to try the recipe. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Healthawareness
i just wish i could have a plate right now the look is very appealing.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much!
Blair Villanueva
We love pasta at home, and we are always trying new pasta recipes. Thanks for sharing with us. It was absolutely delicious.
★★★★★
Frank
This looks yummy, I’m always on the look of trying new pasta recipes. I think would be perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Cinny
This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes. He wants me to make it for him again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Elizabeth O
This easy pasta dish is full of savory sausage and a delicious vegetables. This is a family favorite.
★★★★★
tweenselmom
this looks soo good, i miss making italian pasta for the family 🙂
anatureescape
Thanks for adding the variation section. I love the veggie option!
Lara M
Even though I didn’t have any spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, the recipe was SO delicious! I’ll definitely be making this again, but with all of the ingredients. Thank you so much for this recipe!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Lara! So glad that you enjoyed it.
Kim
This was DELICIOUS!!! Only change was I used half and half since I had a full container. Great substitute but since it’s not as fatty/thick as heavy cream has to add some corn starch so FYI if you sub in half and half! So flavorful and easy. And made a lot for leftovers for lunches! Love that the spinach is in the pasta so no need for a side salad right?! 😂
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed. I love spinach in my pasta! Good tip on the half and half.
Edgar
Yyyaaayyyyy….I miss this delicacy so much! It’s one of those few that made my childhood a pure joy! Thanks for the memories and sharing about it.
Neely
Sounds absolutely delicious! My husband would love this
Subarna
This Creamy sausage pasta is just looking so tempting. I am just drooling. Neet to try it soon. thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Thena
Now this looks like my kind of pasta dish! I love how simple and easy this sausage pasta recipe is!
Emman
Your Italian Sausage Pasta is so yummy! I made it the other night for my family and they loved it! Thanks for the great recipe.
★★★★★
Claudia
With back to school in full force and busy nights ahead of me, I am finding myself reaching for new quick dinner inspiration. Thanks for this
★★★★★
briannemanz
I love that this pasta dish is full of flavorful sausages. It`s a family favorite Italian pasta recipe.
★★★★★
Alita Pacio
This Italian Sausage pasta looks so delicious. I`d love to discover new recipes this year
★★★★★
Jennifer Prince
Ooh! My husband would love this so much. I’m looking for a few new recipes, and I’ll totally try this out!
Millie
This looks so delicious and easy to make! All my favourites are in this recipe and it’s the perfect comfort food for the winter. I will definitely try it this weekend! Wish me luck!
Beth Pierce
Good luck! You will be fine. It is very easy to make.
Kristy Bullard
This is so good! I love how the rigatoni holds the sauce and spices. I like to add extra red pepper flakes for a nice kick.
★★★★★
Talya Stone
Oh yum I love sausage in pasta. This recipe was so yummy especially with the added cream element. Thanks for a new family favorite.
★★★★★
Nyxie
This looks amazing! Absolutely to die for. Certainly one I’ll be passing on to my husband to make.
Lucy
I love pasta, but it is not often on my menu. I love carbonara, but your recipe sounds so delicious, and these photos are making me hungry. I definitely will prepare it soon. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Marysa
This sounds like it is very flavorful and rich. I like the elements you used including the sun dried tomatoes. I will have to give this a try sometime.
Heather
Yum! I have everything I need for this in the house already. I’m going to make it for dinner this evening.
Maureen
What a yummy dish! My family loves pasta and this was just delicious. I can’t wait to make it again.
Susannah
So flipping delicious!!!! I went heavy on the sun dried tomatoes and parm just because I love them both! Simply put, this dish knocked it out of the park! Company worthy!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like it Susannah! So yummy! I love sun dried tomatoes too!
Gladys Nava
This is the perfect recipe for my family! This looks tasty and amazing. Can’t wait to try this! Yummy!
★★★★★
Grace
My daughter shared with us-was amazing- I’m making tonight
Thena Franssen
This looks like such a great recipe. I think that my kids would love this and I’m going to try it this week!
Cinny
That looks so yummy! I think I even have some of the ingredients at home.
Kelly Bolen
This looks amazing!!! I love different pasta recipes! Spicy sausage would be great in this!
★★★★★
Renata
This definitely looks like something that might become my favorite pasta dish. I love Italian sausage as well as dried tomatoes – sooo good.
Talya
You can’t beat sausage and pasta in my book. Such a great family pleaser for a mid week dinner.
★★★★★
Abida
I am being over the moon to be known about such a great Italian food. Moreover pasta is really favorite to me. I am planning to make me for my family on the next holiday. Thanks for sharing
Kat
oh wow! I will give this a try this coming weekend. We have a small family celebration and this is a perfect dish! thank you for the recipe.
Marina
I have 2 little girls and we all know how kids adore pasta! I Will definitely try this one
★★★★★
Rose Ann Sales
Oh my! This looks like a really amazing and tasty recipe to try! I’m pretty sure that my family would love this so much!
★★★★★
jen C schreiner
I can not wait to make this… PASTA and Sausage.. comfort food at its finest. It looks delish!!
Christine
You had me at ITLALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA!!! LOL!! I am Italian and that’s all I know. This is definitely a recipe I am going to try. Thank you!
★★★★★
Aimee
I made this tonight, and OH MY GOODNESS!! My family wants me to add it into our rotation!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Aimee! So glad that your family enjoyed it!!
Jennifer L
Loved this recipe 🥰 I did substitute the sausage with ground chicken but used the ingredients an amounts according to recipe. No need to add salt at the end because I salted the water for pasta. Turned out amazing. My picky kids fell in love with it. Will make again and maybe add some fresh broccoli for texture.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jennifer. You know you are doing well if the picky kids like your recipe. LOL!!
Sherri
Loved this pasta dish with its creaminess
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sherri! So glad that you love it!
Juliane
This is an amazing recipe!!!
★★★★★
Ayesha
This pasta is blazing my hunger
Krystle
The cream sauce is just divine. A new staple in our rotation.
★★★★★
Edgar
Wop Wop!!! This delicacy should be heaven! Pasta and sausage in the same sentence makes me hungry even! Thanks for the guidance on making it!
Catalina
Mmmm…. the best pasta sauce! It’s so creamy and flavorful!
★★★★★
Beti
I am in love with this Italian Sausage Pasta! The flavors are incredible!
katerina
Oh yum! This looks incredibly delicious! My family would love it!
★★★★★
Sue
This Italian Sausage Pasta looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
★★★★★
Amanda
I love anything with Italian sausage in it. I am so excited to try this next week!
Frank
This looks like yummy pasta, I haven’t tried a lot of Italian food recently and would love to try this and make it at home.
Emman Damian
I love a good Italian Sausage Pasta! It looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try it!
★★★★★
Milton Coyne
You can never go wrong with pasta.. I love pasta dishes and what i like about it is that you can be creative and experimental on what ingredients you can pair with it. This italian sausage pasta looks really really good and i love how creamy it looks like.. Thank yoi for sharing us the recipe
★★★★★
Renata
This sounds so delicious. I love these big chunks of sausage in the sauce – and the spinach to make it a bit fresher and healthier. Will try this asap!
kushigalu
Drooling over this delicious pasta. Can’t wait to try your recipe. YUM
★★★★★
Angelica
I make something similar to this for my kids and they love it. I’ll need to try this!
Ashley t
This pasta looks so yummy and simple to make. Definitely gonna try this for my family.
Stephanie
This is such a perfect combination of so many ingredients that we love at our house!
★★★★★
brianne
Something new to try for the family. I love the variations of your recipe. I think I will go with more mushrooms for veggies
★★★★★
Leanne Wong
Oh my. Just looking at that makes me hungry! I can’t wait to try this one!
★★★★★
Matt Taylor
This looks amazing! I love good pasta, especially Italian sausage in it. I can’t wait to give this a try sometime.
★★★★★
Christine Weis
YUM! This looks so delicious! The Italian girl in me loves pasta with meat. This is a must-try!
★★★★★
Talya Stone
Oh yum this looks like the perfect midweek crowd-pleaser for Autumn months. I’ll keep this in my back pocket for the coming weeks.
★★★★★