Some nights, you just want something warm and satisfying without a million pots and pans to wash afterward. This creamy Tuscan sausage skillet is exactly that—a cozy, one-pan meal that feels like a hug on a plate. The moment the garlic hits the hot skillet, it fills the kitchen with that familiar, inviting aroma that promises good things are coming. I remember once trying to multitask between setting the table and stirring the sauce, only to realize I’d almost forgotten to add the Parmesan. Classic kitchen distraction, but it didn’t matter because the end result was still incredible.
The balance here is what makes it stand out. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes sneak in with bursts of intense flavor, while the fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness and a pop of color. And the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce? It’s lush but not overwhelming, wrapping around the sausage chunks in a way that makes you want to scrape the skillet clean. I usually make a little extra sauce because, honestly, I’m not great at stopping myself from dunking bread into it. It’s the kind of dish that invites sharing but also keeps you coming back for seconds.
- Combines rich Italian sausage with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy sauce.
- One-pan recipe means minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The sauce is indulgent yet balanced, though it’s definitely on the richer side.
- Quick to prepare, but the depth of flavor feels like you spent hours cooking.
If you’re worried about the creaminess being too much, you can always lighten it up with a splash of chicken broth or add more spinach to bulk it up without extra calories. It’s forgiving and flexible, which makes it a staple in my weeknight rotation.
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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
Add fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Don’t fret about fancy equipment here. A sturdy skillet is all you need to get those flavors cooking evenly and to develop that beautiful sauce. I like to serve this with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta when I have more time, but it’s equally satisfying on its own for a low-carb option. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of mushrooms or swap out the spinach for kale if that’s what’s left in my fridge—though I can’t promise it’s exactly the same, it still hits the spot.
Questioning whether this will be too rich? It’s definitely creamy, but the sausage and sun-dried tomatoes add enough savory and tangy contrast to keep it balanced. Leftovers reheat well, though the sauce thickens a bit, so a splash of broth or cream when warming up usually brings it back to life.
This dish is a solid choice when dinner needs to feel a little special but come together quickly. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for it on those nights when comfort is the only plan.